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Research Award Recipients 2021

Recipients awarded in 2021, commencing research projects in 2022

Full listing of the Heart Foundation Award Recipients announced in 2021, commencing research projects in 2022.

For any enquiries, please contact the Research Program team at research@heartfoundation.org.au

Research Awards Listing

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
Menzies School of Health Research	Mrs Vicki Wade	Beyond the Scars: The social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with rheumatic heart disease	Three Years	NT
The University of Newcastle	Dr Michelle Bovill	Which Way? Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women to be smoke-free through group-based cessation support.	Three Years	NSW

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
University of Adelaide	Dr Li Jiawen	Ultrathin 3D micro-printed cellular-resolution intravascular imaging catheter to enable accurate detection of critical features of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in patients (Honorary Future Leader Fellowship)	Four Years	SA
University of New South Wales	Dr Michael Falster	Using big data to inform post-hospital treatment decisions with cardiovascular medicines: variation, adherence and outcomes of care	Four Years	NSW
University of Sydney	Associate Professor Steven Wise	Bioengineering New Synthetic Conduits for Arterial Revascularisation	Four Years	NSW
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Associate Professor Anna Calkin	Utilising Systems Genomics to Identify Novel Regulators of Cardiometabolic Disease	Four Years	VIC
University of Tasmania	Dr Rachel Climie	New strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease by identifying disease risk in early life (Honorary Future Leader Fellowship)	Four Years	TAS
Monash University	Associate Professor Francine Marques	Targeting the gut microbiota to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (Honorary Future Leader Fellowship)	Four Years	VIC
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health	Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva	Developing novel mechanism-guided interventions to prevent brain and kidney injury arising after cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and during sepsis	Four Years	VIC
Monash University	Dr Ziad Nehme	Every minute counts: a strategy to strengthen the links in the Chain of Survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest	Four Years	VIC
The University of Newcastle	Dr Rebecca Wyse	Adopting Digital Health Interventions at scale to increase their impact on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) dietary risk factors at a population-level (Honorary Future Leader Fellowship)	Four Years	NSW
Monash University	Associate Professor Monique Kilkenny	National Stroke Data Linkage Program: Using big data to improve diagnostic coding, clinical management and long-term outcomes after stroke	Four Years	VIC
Monash University	Associate Professor Dion Stub	Integration of Pre-hospital and Hospital based clinical registries to investigate novel therapeutics and systems of care in cardiac emergencies	Four Years	VIC
University of Sydney	Dr Lining Ju	Platelet mechanobiology inspired anti-thrombotic strategies and point-of-care biomedical engineering	Four Years	NSW
Deakin University	Professor Kylie Hesketh	Early childhood physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions to optimise heart health trajectories	Four Years	VIC
University of New South Wales	Dr Ryan Courtney	Reducing the social gradient in smoking cessation: New and innovative approaches to increase quitting and improve cardiovascular health outcomes	Four Years	NSW
The University of Newcastle	Associate Professor Aaron Sverdlov	Improving cardiovascular health for people living with and beyond cancer	Four Years	NSW
The University of Queensland	Dr Sonia Shah	Using genomic data to improve the understanding, prevention and management of cardiovascular disease	Four Years	QLD

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
University of New South Wales	Dr Lucy McGrath-Cadell	Understanding the genetics and mechanisms of spontaneous coronary artery dissection	Up to Three Years	NSW
Monash University	Dr Elisabeth Ng	Primary aldosteronism: new strategies for diagnosis and management	Up to Three Years	VIC
Monash University	Dr Sean Tan	Cardiovascular Screening in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors	Up to Three Years	VIC
Flinders University	Dr Kathryn Tiver	The Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibition on Electrophysiologic and Clinical Parameters of Atrial Fibrillation	Up to Three Years	SA
Murdoch Children's Research Institute	Dr Yara-Natalie Abo	Rising to the challenge of rheumatic heart disease: human trials to accelerate Strep A vaccine development	Up to Three Years	VIC
Murdoch Children's Research Institute	Dr Michael Zhu	Long-term Outcomes of Surgery for Diseases of the Aortic Valve in Children	Up to Three Years	VIC
University of Melbourne	Dr Varun Sharma	Multimodal Spectroscopy as a point-of-care instrument in Cardiac Surgery	Up to Three Years	VIC
University of New South Wales	Dr Yashutosh Joshi	Exploring the role of potential cardioprotective agents (heparin, tirofiban, SGLT2 inhibitors & ASIC1a inhibitors) in improving donor heart preservation for heart transplantation	Up to Three Years	NSW
University of Western Australia	Dr Umar Ali	Metabolic phenotyping of plasma and urine to detect subclinical coronary atherosclerosis	Up to Three Years	WA
University of Sydney	Dr Prajith Jeyaprakash	Restoring microvascular circulation with diagnostic ultrasound and contrast agent: the REDUCE Trial: A randomised, double blinded, sham controlled, multicentre trial at three high volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention centres	Up to Three Years	NSW

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
University of Melbourne	Dr Fana Alemseged	Improving outcomes of stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion	Two Years	VIC
University of New South Wales	Dr Sonali Gnanenthiran	Drug repurposing in cardiovascular disease: strategies to improve outcomes and accelerate drug translation.	Two Years	NSW
Monash University	Dr Adam Nelson	The Do statins favourably modify atherosclerotIc plaque in patients with different levels of polygenic Cardiovascular rIsk? (DA VINCI) trial	Two Years	VIC
Monash University	Dr Hashrul Rashid	Longitudinal impact of CT-defined leaflet thrombosis on valvular haemodynamics and clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement	Two Years	VIC
University of Sydney	Dr Mark Dennis	Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Cardiac Failure and Cardiac arrest - patient selection, outcomes and appropriate resource usage	Two Years	NSW
University of Melbourne	Dr Anoop Koshy	Enhancing Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Patients undergoing Liver Transplantation: Role of an Impaired Cardiac Reserve (ENVISION-LT Study)	Two Years	VIC
University of Western Australia	Dr Abdul Rahman Ihdayhid	Patient-Specific CT-Derived Modelling of Blood Flow to Predict Coronary Obstruction for Aortic Valve in Valve Implantation: PRECISION Study	Two Years	WA
The University of Queensland	Dr Jaimon Kelly	A mixed methods study to evaluate the trust and confidence in digital health and codesign solutions to prevent cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney disease	Two Years	QLD
Monash University	Dr Kathryn Eastwood	Developing strategies to reduce unplanned emergency services presentation in the 90-days following discharge for acute coronary syndrome by understanding the reasons and associated factors.	Two Years	VIC

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Dr Yow Keat Tham	Targeting heart-enriched lipid species, plasmalogens: a new oral-based treatment strategy for the failing heart	One Year	VIC
Deakin University	Dr Lewan Parker	Antioxidant deficiency screening and personalised antioxidant prescription as an accessible and cost-effective treatment for cardiovascular dysfunction and insulin resistance	Up to Two Years	VIC
University of Sydney	Dr John O'Sullivan	Replenishing Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide to Rescue Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction	Up to Two Years	NSW
Curtin University	Professor Andrew Maiorana	Developing and testing a novel deep learning model to improve access to accurate echocardiography	Up to Two Years	WA
University of New South Wales	Associate Professor Shane Thomas	Biodegradable Nanoparticles as a Novel Clinically Viable Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Melbourne	Professor Leanne Delbridge	Developing a blood test for early detection of diabetic heart disease	Up to Two Years	VIC
Macquarie University	Dr Mitchell Sarkies	Developing an implementation strategy for enhancing the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia in Australia	One Year	NSW
The University of Newcastle	Professor Jenny Bowman	Evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of PhysiCards: a pilot randomised controlled trial of a novel tool to assist mental health consumers identify and seek care for cardiovascular (and other) physical health concerns	One Year	NSW
University of Melbourne	Professor Louise Burrell	Plasma ACE2 activity levels and cardiac outcomes following severe SARS Co-V2 infection	One Year	VIC
Central Queensland University	Professor Corneel Vandelanotte	Applying machine learning to develop a smart and engaging chatbot to increase physical activity and improve health	Up to Two Years	QLD
University of Western Australia	Dr Gina Trapp	Limiting the impact of energy drinks on children's heart health: a prospective, matched controlled-trial to test the feasibility of a mandatory ban on the sale of energy drinks to children	Up to Two Years	WA
The University of Newcastle	Professor Tracy Burrows	Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a cardiovascular disease prevention intervention targeting addictive and compulsive overeating among adults with a mental illness: CardioFix	One Year	NSW
University of Sydney	Associate Professor Steven Wise	Engineering “arteries in a box” from patient-derived cells to unravel novel mechanisms and treatment strategies for coronary artery disease	Up to Two Years	NSW
Monash University	Associate Professor Flora Wong	Predictive monitoring for early detection of cardiac dysfunction in preterm babies, using heart rate variability and deep learning	Up to Two Years	VIC
The University of Newcastle	Dr Tatt Jhong Haw	Investigating the cardiopulmonary impacts of prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke particulate matter and other environmental hazards in Regional Australia	One Year	NSW
University of New South Wales	Dr Damia Mawad	The next generation of cardiac pacemakers: leadless and flexible organic optoelectronics for optical pacing of the heart	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Melbourne	Professor Karlheinz Peter	The enemy within: defining the role of T cells in atherosclerotic autoimmunity, plaque instability and rupture	Up to Two Years	VIC
University of Melbourne	Dr Laura Bienvenu	Immunomodulatory Therapy for Preserving Cardiac Function Following Myocardial Infarction	Up to Two Years	VIC
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health	Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva	Elucidating the optimal dosing regimen of intravenous Vitamin C for improving circulatory management and reversing brain and kidney injury in septic shock	Up to Two Years	VIC
Monash University	Associate Professor Dion Stub	Pre-hospital point-of-care troponin and paramedic risk assessment in patients with chest pain without ST-elevation: A cluster randomized controlled trial	Up to Two Years	VIC
Monash University	Professor Karen Smith	Randomised controlled trial of the Artificial Intelligence in carDiac arrEst (AIDE) decision support tool for improved identification of cardiac arrest in the Triple Zero (000) call	Up to Two Years	VIC
The University of Newcastle	Professor Philip Morgan	Cultural adaptation and feasibility trial of ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ for Indigenous Australian families to improve cardiovascular health	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Sydney	Associate Professor Natasha Rogers	Investigating a new pathway driving cardiorenal syndrome.	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Sydney	Professor Gemma Figtree	A new paradigm to tackle redox-mediated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Melbourne	Dr Kate Weeks	Modulating cardiac protein phosphatase activity as a new strategy for heart failure	One Year	VIC
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Associate Professor Anna Calkin	Validation of a Novel Regulator of Lipid Metabolism	One Year	VIC
University of New South Wales	Dr Ying Wang	Improving cardiovascular outcomes in acute kidney injury	Up to Two Years	NSW
University of Sydney	Professor Kazuaki Negishi	Restoring microvascular circulation with diagnostic ultrasound and contrast agent: the REDUCE Trial: A multicentre pilot study at three high volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention centres	Up to Two Years	NSW
Monash University	Dr Tomasz Block	NOX5 in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a new biomarker for unstable diabetic cardiovascular disease	One Year	VIC
University of Western Australia	Professor Carl Schultz	Prevention of Aortic Stenosis progression Phylloquinone Ossification Reduction Trial (PASSPORT)	Up to Two Years	WA
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Professor Julie McMullen	Identifying new strategies to treat and prevent atrial fibrillation by understanding differences between physiological and pathological atrial enlargement	Up to Two Years	VIC

Institution	Awardee	Project Title	Project length	State
The University of Newcastle	Dr Alice Grady	Improving the health of pre-schoolers: childcare-based obesity prevention interventions at scale	Up to Six Months	NSW
University of Tasmania	Dr Rachel Climie	Vascular ageing across the life course	Up to Six Months	TAS
Monash University	Dr Hashrul Rashid	Advanced Structural Heart Clinical and Research Fellowship at Guy's & St Thomas Hospital	Up to Six Months	VIC
University of Sydney	Dr Jessica Orchard	Cardiac screening of athletes: building a national registry of screening electrocardiograms	Up to Six Months	NSW
Deakin University	Dr Laura Alston	Advancing nutrition data collection and CVD prevention research in rural Australia	Up to Six Months	VIC
University of South Australia	Dr Dorothea Dumuid	What influences the activity trade-offs people make during important life transitions?	Up to Six Months	SA
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Dr Kate Weeks	Emerging drug targets for heart failure	Up to Six Months	VIC
Griffith University	Associate Professor Hang Ta	Conference participation: Smart nanomedicine for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases	Up to Six Months	QLD

The following researchers have been awarded an innovation award for submitting the top innovative projects.

Shirley E Freeman Innovation Award
Shirley E Freeman AM (1924 - 2014) was the first female to receive funding from the Heat Foundation in 1960. Her funding was £1250 for a grant-in-aid that commenced 1961.

This award recognises the most innovative successful Postdoctoral Fellowship application. The recipient receives an additional $20,000 on top of the Fellowship.

Dr Adam Nelson, Monash University

The Heart Foundation Excellence Award, generously sponsored by Rebecca Davies AO FAICD, offers additional funding to recognise and reward the highest ranked 2021 Heart Foundation PhD Scholar.

Dr Yara-Natalie Abo, Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Ross Hohnen Innovation Award
In memory of Ross Hohnen AM, OBE who passed away in 2003, the Heart Foundation awards the “Ross Hohnen Award recognising Research Excellence” to encourage innovation in cardiovascular research.

This award recognises the most outstanding and innovative Vanguard Grant application. The recipient receives an additional $10,000 on top of the Grant.

Professor Corneel Vandelanotte, Central Queensland University

Paul Korner Innovation Award
In memory of Professor Paul Korner, who passed away in 2012, this award is in appreciation of the positive impact his work had on many lives.

This award recognises the most innovative successful Future Leader Fellowship applications. The recipients receive an additional $20,000 on top of the Fellowship.

Dr Li Jiawen, University of Adelaide
Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Research Award Recipients 2021

Recipients awarded in 2021, commencing research projects in 2022

Research Awards Listing

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