NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (NSW CVRN)

The NSW CVRN Professional Development Award provides funding to assist our EMCRs with costs associated with attendance at a research conference and/or participation in professional development or training courses. Courses could include professional development courses such as media and communication, grant/journal article writing, or training in specific research skills.

The aim of the Award is to enable EMCRs to enhance their career progression and build professional networks through the dissemination of their research and development of their research and professional skill base.

Find out more about the NSW CVRN Professional Development Awards.

The Ministerial Awards for Cardiovascular Research are presented annually at the NSW CVRN Showcase and Awards Ceremony to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to research in cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes, stroke and renal disease. The Awards recognise outstanding contributions of senior researchers and emerging talent from PhD graduates and early to mid-career researchers.

Find out more about the Ministerial Awards for Cardiovascular Research

The NSW CVRN Rural, Regional, Remote (RRR) Project Grant provides funding to support RRR-led cardiovascular research projects. The scheme is aimed at building or enhancing the track records of RRR researchers to increase opportunities for future funding success, supporting early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) and encouraging cross-institutional collaboration.

Find out more about the RRR Project Grant.

The NSW CVRN-VCCRI Research Innovation Grant was established in 2020 and represents an innovative collaboration between the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) and NSW CVRN. The grant is designed to empower EMCRs with access to the advanced resources of the VCCRI Innovation Centre for short-term projects dedicated to advancing our understanding of cardiovascular disease and health.

Find out more about the NSW CVRN-VCCRI Research Innovation Grant.

Providing funding to EMCRs who are returning to research after a significant leave of absence to subsidise activities to build the capacity and capability of these researchers and enhance their career track records. The scheme is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of these EMCRs when applying for future research grant funding. 

Learn more about the NSW CVRN Career Advancement Grant.

In June 2018, the NSW Government announced a $150 million investment over 10 years into cardiovascular research. NSW’s Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program funds high quality cardiovascular research in NSW in order to drive scientific discoveries, support the development of novel and innovative therapies, and improve health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.

For more information visit the NSW Health and Medical Research website.

The NSW CVRN’s most prestigious event, the annual NSW CVRN Showcase and Ministerial Awards Ceremony bring together researchers, government officials, stakeholders and donors, and industry representatives to celebrate and reward outstanding cardiovascular research in NSW.

The Ministerial Awards for Cardiovascular Research (per the grants and awards section above) are also presented during the ceremony to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to research in cardiovascular disease.

Over the past years several years, the NSW CVRN has partnered with the Office for Health and Medical Research (OHMR) to jointly host a Grants Workshop. The workshop aims to support researchers with their grant applications for grant schemes offered under the Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program.

As part of the workshop, researchers can also take part in online one-on-one pitching sessions with a panel of senior researchers to gather direct, individualised feedback on their proposals.

The NSW CVRN Rising Stars Seminar Series provides a platform for emerging EMCRs and final-year PhD students to present their work in a supportive, cross-disciplinary setting.

Held 4–5 times a year in a hybrid format, each one-hour seminar features short presentations on research projects, proposals, challenges, or innovative methods. Sessions may be themed by disease focus (e.g. heart failure, stroke) or span the translational research spectrum.

Seminars take place at institutions across Greater Sydney and may be held in regional NSW, depending on interest through the Expression of Interest (EOI) process. EOIs are called for towards the end of each year.

Recordings from past seminars are available on our YouTube channel.

Upcoming seminar

Innovations in Cardiovascular Research: From Molecular Pathways to Population Health

• Date: 11 September 2025
• Time: Seminar begins at 3:00pm | Networking and refreshments from 4:15pm
• Location: Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

View details and RSVP

The EMCR Masterclass is an annual event curated by the NSW CVRN Rising Stars Sub-Committee, designed to support the professional development of EMCRs.

Held each year since 2022, the Masterclass focuses on a different theme selected by the committee, with interactive sessions led by experienced facilitators. Topics are tailored to help EMCRs build essential research and career skills.

Previous topics include:

• Putting EMCR into tEaM & CollaboRation
• Involving Consumers in Your Research
• Mastering Clear, Concise, Persuasive, and Reader-Focused Writing

Registration now open: EMCR Masterclass 2025

Led by Professor Amanda Salis, The Salis Institute

This year’s EMCR Masterclass, titled Get Your Paper Published, will be facilitated by Professor Amanda Salis from The Salis Institute. Professor Salis will guide participants through a proven, step-by-step approach to writing and publishing research papers — helping reduce uncertainty and improve efficiency in the academic writing process.

Get Your Paper Published

• Date: 15 October 2025
• Time: Registration from 9:30am | Program runs 10:00am–5:00pm (includes catered breaks)
• Location: Charles Perkins Centre, Johns Hopkins Drive, Camperdown NSW 2050
• Presenter: Prof Amanda Salis – View bio

View details and RSVP

_{*Spots are strictly limited. Open to NSW CVRN members from umbrella organisations.}

_{If you're from a non-umbrella organisation, you are welcome to register under the Expression of Interest / Waitlist category. We will contact you if a spot becomes available.}

The EMCR Networking Event has been held annually since 2021 to bring together EMCRs for connection, shared learning, and professional growth.

Each event explores a relevant theme through interactive sessions, guest speakers, or panel discussions, creating a space for open conversation and community-building among EMCRs.

Previous themes include:

• 2021 - COVID and the Heart
• 2022 - The EMCR in a Post-COVID World
• 2023 - Grants for Success: Lessons Learned from Writing and Reviewing Grants
• 2024 - Impactful Body Language to Win Over Others

In addition to the NSW CVRN-VCCRI Research Innovation Grant (which provides early to mid-career researchers access to equipment and expertise from the VCCRI Innovation Centre), the NSW CVRN also co-hosts a joint morning tea at the centre. The event provides an opportunity for researchers to explore the centre, and in the past has included presentations from both previous and new awardees.

Coming soon!

The NSW CVRN is looking to grow its engagement with rural and regional researchers. Watch this space to see what events and activities we have coming up. If you are interested in hosting or supporting a regional event at your institution, please get in touch via [email protected]