Professor John Hopwood established and has led the Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit since 1978. The Unit has been continually successful in basic and applied research into lysosomal disorders (LSD), and has made significant contributions to diagnostics and population screening methods for detection of LSD, and developing and applying novel treatments to humans. His leadership has effectively harnessed the capacities of others to achieve success in complex and interactive projects over the long-term that have led to successful commercialisation of two FDA-approved treatments, which are now treating thousands of patients world-wide, and to royalty returns of >$300m invested back into SA health and medical research projects. Hopwood was a key contributor to the foundation of South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.