South Australian Kick Start Fellowship
Meet our 2025 Kick Start Fellowship recipients
The Heart Foundation South Australian Kick Start Fellowship supports early career researchers in cardiovascular health, helping them take the next step toward becoming fully funded postgraduate researchers. We are proud to introduce the 2025 recipients of this prestigious fellowship—two outstanding researchers whose work is already making a meaningful impact in South Australia.
Dr Sarena La
Clinical Cardiovascular Researcher
Affiliation: Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN)
Dr Sarena La brings a strong clinical research background to the fellowship, having completed her PhD with the Translational Vascular Function Research Collaborative—a partnership between the University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Institute, and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Her research focuses on Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (NOCA) Syndrome, with a particular emphasis on improving patient outcomes and advocating for those affected. Dr La’s work exemplifies the fellowship’s mission to foster innovation and improve cardiovascular health across South Australia.
Dr Alexandra Manson
Public Health Nutrition Researcher
Affiliation: Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute
Dr Alexandra Manson completed her PhD at Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute, where she investigates how school food systems can support children’s health, growth, and development. Her research aims to reduce long-term cardiovascular disease risk by shaping healthier environments for young Australians. Dr Manson’s work highlights the importance of prevention and public health in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
These fellowships are a vital investment in the future of cardiovascular research in South Australia. We are excited to support Dr La and Dr Manson as they continue their important work and contribute to a healthier future for all.
2026 Heart Foundation South Australian Kick Start Fellowship opportunities:
Supporting early career researchers based in South Australia to elevate career progress towards becoming fully funded postgraduate researchers.
The fellowship aims to:
- Acknowledge and encourage promising early career researchers in cardiovascular health
- Enhance the career prospects of early-stage cardiovascular researchers
- Foster collaboration and innovation to advance cardiovascular health research in South Australia
Eligibility
Key eligibility criteria:
- South Australian resident
- SA CVRN Member and involved in cardiovascular research
- Submitted PhD and less than 2 years post PhD (excluding career disruptions and considering relative to opportunity).
- Have support of a supervisor/research team at a South Australian university
- Must not accept funds from the Tobacco industry or be affiliated with promotion of tobacco products.
Email with any questions or queries to [email protected].
You might also be interested in...
South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)
Elevating cardiovascular research in South Australia by fostering collaboration, building research capacity, and advocating for the significance of cardiovascular research.
Applying for research funding with the Heart Foundation
New funding opportunities for 2025 are now available. Learn more about our funding programs, requirements, and application dates now.
South Australian Travel Grants (E O Myers and SA Cardiovascular Research Fund)
The South Australian Travel Grants (E O Myers and SA Cardiovascular Research Fund) provides grants to support medical education, advancing the knowledge and skill of cardiology health professionals in South Australia.