The South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner (ATSIC) has welcomed an apology from the Adelaide University for scientific experiments done on Aboriginal people early last century.

However, ATSIC has not ruled out seeking compensation.

The formal apology acknowledges that many experiments carried out by university researchers during the 1920s and 1930s were degrading and in some cases barbarous.

ATSIC's South Australian Commissioner, Brian Butler, says the Federal Government should conduct a nationwide investigation of all universities to make sure the whole story is uncovered.

Mr Butler thinks in the first instance the families of those who were the subject of experiments will be more concerned about learning the truth than seeking compensation.

"I certainly believe that through our justice system that there may well and truly be a case for families to pursue some legal action," he said.