NSW CVRN Ministerial Awards

Media release: 23 February 2026

NSW Cardiovascular Research Network Celebrates Excellence with their 2026 Showcase and Ministerial Awards

The NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN) has hosted its annual Showcase and Ministerial Awards Ceremony, with four researchers awarded for their contributions to cardiovascular research.

The event was hosted by the Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Medical Research, and explored Equity in Cardiovascular Care during the Era of AI, featuring an array of speakers and panellists making waves in the health landscape through the use of Artificial Intelligence.

The event also showcased the Network’s ongoing contributions to improving heart health outcomes and recognised the outstanding achievements of four distinguished researchers who received a 2025 Ministerial Award for their research.

The NSW Ministerial Awards for Cardiovascular Research are presented annually to acknowledge outstanding contributions to cardiovascular disease research, including diabetes, stroke, and renal disease. Last year’s recipients demonstrated exceptional dedication to their fields, driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

2025 Ministerial Award Recipients

Ministerial Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence

Prof Anthony Rodgers, The George Institute for Global Health

Prof Rodgers is honoured for his lifelong dedication to generating high‑quality evidence to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce global health inequality. With a career spanning over 30 years, an array of international collaborations, and over 600 peer‑reviewed publications, his trailblazing research has helped develop NSW’s largest portfolio of global cardiovascular trials and strengthened key capabilities including GCP‑compliant data systems, biostatistics, regulatory science, health economics, and public‑private partnership frameworks.

Ministerial Award for Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research

A/Prof Thanh Nho Do, University of New South Wales

Scientia Associate Professor Do is a global leader in bio‑robotics, having established a world‑class research program driving transformative innovation in soft robotics and cardiac devices across healthcare and industry. His work redefines how medical devices mimic biological function, developing flexible and intelligent bio‑robotic technologies that improve patient care and medical practice to address the burden of cardiovascular disease. He holds 12 patents, several of which have been commercialised, and his work has helped establish Australia as a leader in bio‑robotic innovation.

Ministerial Award for Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research

Dr Niamh Chapman, University of Sydney

Dr Chapman has established herself as a rising star in hypertension research. Her research aims to adapt the way health services are delivered and has identified critical gaps in patient education, leading to the development of the BP Toolkit — an evidence‑based education package developed in collaboration with international experts and patients. Dr Chapman’s research has been cited in three international guidelines, three international position statements, and the 2025 WHO Hypertension Report.

Ministerial Award for PhD Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research

Dr Yashutosh Joshi, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

Dr Joshi’s work aims to determine whether donor heart preservation can be optimised to increase both the number and quality of hearts available for transplantation. With “heart‑in‑a‑box” technology introduced by his institute for a previously non‑utilised donor pathway, Dr Joshi’s research revealed important new time points that impact recipient survival. His work also found that blood thinners and a novel spider‑venom‑derived peptide (Hi1a) could significantly improve donor heart protection, increasing the chances of transplantation.

About the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network

Established in 2005, the NSW CVRN was formed in response to the growing burden of cardiovascular disease and the need for increased investment in research. For over 20 years, the Network has brought together researchers, clinicians, and institutions from across NSW, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.

Supported by the Heart Foundation, the NSW Government, and major research organisations, the CVRN has played a pivotal role in advancing cardiovascular research and translating findings into real‑world health benefits.

The Network spans the entire research spectrum — from biomedical to clinical and public health — and embraces a broad scope, including diabetes, stroke, and renal disease. Through its 14 member organisations, three affiliated organisations, and more than 50 associated institutions, the CVRN has fostered career development for early and mid‑career researchers, facilitated cross‑institutional partnerships, and driven meaningful advancements in cardiovascular science.

The CVRN remains committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment and will continue to support early and mid‑career researchers, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for increased funding to advance cardiovascular research in NSW.

Quotes

Prof Andrew Boyle, Chair of the NSW CVRN

“Tonight’s award recipients are conducting world‑class cardiovascular research right here in NSW, and their prestigious Ministerial Awards are thoroughly deserved. Each and every one of the award winners, and indeed all the other finalists, have contributed towards new therapies and ways of treating heart disease that touch people’s lives and improve their suffering. Such cutting‑edge research is not possible without collaboration between government, researchers, and institutions throughout NSW. The CVRN is proud to help facilitate and support this valuable research.”

Dr Shamona Eaves, NSW CVRN Manager at the Heart Foundation

“The New South Wales CVRN remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing and supporting cardiovascular research across the state through collaboration, innovation, and recognition. Our annual Showcase and Ministerial Awards formally acknowledge the dedication, expertise, and excellence of our researchers as they work to improve health outcomes for all members of our community.”

The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Medical Research

“It was a privilege to celebrate the work the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network does to support and improve the lives of people across the state. This event is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for our hard‑working researchers and gain a deeper understanding of the work they do. The NSW Government is committed to continuing to support the Network and the work it does to research and improve health outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.”