$14.5 million boost for innovative heart research across Australia

Media release: 28 October 2026

Heart Foundation announces major funding support of 67 projects focused on AI, women’s heart health, stroke recovery

The Heart Foundation is today announcing a $14.5 million funding investment for 67 heart research projects across Australia, supporting discoveries that could transform how heart disease is prevented, detected and treated.

Made possible entirely by the generosity of Heart Foundation donors, this year’s funding will support research spanning early detection, personalised treatment, women’s heart health, First Nations-focused research, artificial intelligence, stroke recovery and next-generation therapies.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for one in four lives lost each year*.

The Heart Foundation’s National Manager for Research, Dr Anna Calkin, said the significant investment would empower the country’s leading cardiovascular researchers to pursue breakthroughs that could improve heart health and save lives.

“Research is critical to finding better ways to prevent heart disease, detect it earlier and develop better treatments for people living with it,” Dr Calkin said.

“For more than 60 years, Heart Foundation-funded research has driven major advances in heart health in Australia including the pacemaker, new imaging methods and better treatments for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, kidney damage and blood vessel disease.

“This year’s 67 projects show the extraordinary breadth of heart research in Australia, and will use approaches including artificial intelligence and precision medicine, and cover areas including women’s heart health, First Nations focused research, stroke recovery and next-generation therapies.

Behind every one of these projects is the potential to deepen our understanding of heart disease and ultimately improve the lives of people affected by it."

Dr Anna Calkin

National Manager for Research

“None of this funding support would be possible without the generosity of Heart Foundation donors. Their continued support is helping researchers in Australia pursue the discoveries that could improve heart health across the nation, now and for generations to come.”

The Heart Foundation is Australia’s largest non-government funder of heart disease research. It has funded heart research for more than 60 years, investing more than $900 million in today’s dollars to date.

For a full list of the 67 projects and their details, please visit the 2026 research award recipients page.

The Heart Foundation needs help to continue to fund life-saving medical research breakthroughs.

Help fund life-saving research. Donate today.