The Gilles Plains site has existed to support animal research since 1971 and has an excellent track record for faciltating the translation of preclinical research into clinically applicable outcomes. Successes include laying the foundation for the production of antivenom in South Australia (now performed by BTG), facilitating the proof-of-concept study of biodegradable skin grafts for burns victims with A/Prof John Greenwood and performing GLP safety testing for international pharmaceutical companies.

The scope and scale of facilities available for animal research was given a major boost by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) funding process in 2008. This Federal Government Programme, saw the Preclinical, Imaging & Research Laboratories of SAHMRI at the Gilles Plains site expand its services to the research community.

By being a part of the National Imaging Facility (NIF), the Surgical and Imaging Facility (SIF) has access to a network of Imaging specialists around Australia. A large Animal Holding Facility is adjacent to the surgical and imaging suites, making SIF a complete package for commercial GLP or research projects.

PIRL joined SAHMRI in September 2012 and since then has continued to grow and adapt to the needs of local and international researchers.