South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)

Encouraging cardiovascular research excellence in South Australia

In 2023, the Heart Foundation reinstated the SA CVRN with the aim of nurturing and empowering a dynamic and collaborative cardiovascular research community in South Australia. The network has grown to over one hundred members, each bringing diverse expertise and representing various research institutes across the state.

The SA CVRN is committed to elevating cardiovascular research in South Australia by fostering collaboration, building research capacity, securing increased research funding, and advocating for the significance of cardiovascular research to external stakeholders.

Benefits of a being a SA CVRN member:

Connection with South Australian cardiovascular researchers and research affiliates;
Invitations to participate and attend forums, workshops, masterclasses and seminars with research leaders;
Access to information on emerging research, upcoming conferences, grant opportunities and events;
Being part of a collective voice to support cardiovascular research in South Australia.

We welcome South Australian researchers, clinicians, community, government and industry representatives who share an interest and passion for cardiovascular research to become part of our network. Membership is free, and we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those engaged in research and others, to join us.

South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)

Join the network

For more information, email the SA CVRN team.

SA Executive Committee

The SA CVRN Executive Committee provides governance and leadership to drive the priorities of the SA CVRN for the benefit of the Network.

The current committee members

Professor Peter Psaltis, (Co-Chair) South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
A/Professor Christina Bursill, (Co-Chair) South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Professor Hannah Keage, University of South Australia
A/Professor Elizabeth Lynch, Flinders University
A/Professor Adrian Elliott, University of Adelaide
A/Professor Rajiv Mahajan, University of Adelaide
Dr Cher-Rin Chong, Basil Hetzel Institute
Dr Katharine Brown, The Kids Institute
Dr Emily Aldridge, University of Adelaide
Dr Rebecca Perry, University of South Australia
Dr Sophie Wiszniak, University of South Australia
Dr Celine Gallager, University of Adelaide
Mrs Christina Underwood, consumer member

CVRN Rising Stars Sub-Committee

The Rising Star Sub-Committee represents the interests of the Early-Mid Career Researchers of the network. This Committee is responsible for shaping a program of tailored initiatives specifically catering to the interest and developmental needs of EMCRs focusing on capability and capacity building activities.

CVRN Rising Star Sub-Committee members

Dr Katharine Brown (Chair) – The Kids Institute
Dr Emily Aldridge, University of Adelaide
Dr Anna Oszmiana, The National Heart Foundation of Australia
Dr Victoria Nankivell, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Dr Emma Solly, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Dr Joyce Ramos, Flinders University
Dr Lemma Bulto, University of Adelaide
Mrs Jenelle Dziano, University of Adelaide
Dr Bethany Gower, University of South Australia
Dr James Chan, Flinders Medical Centre
Mr Jackson Howie, University of Adelaide
Dr Sanuri Liyange, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Dr Daryl Ooi, SA Health
Dr Kacie Dickinson, Flinders University
Dr Clementine Labrosciano, University of Adelaide
Dr Tharshy Pasupathy, University of Adelaide
Dr Amy Hutchinson, University of Adelaide
Dr Malessa Pathirana, University of Adelaide
Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, University of Adelaide

The 2025 SA CVRN Research Showcase and Awards

Showcase

The SA CVRN held its annual Showcase on 1st December 2025, at Flinders University Festival Tower, Adelaide. Around 100 clinicians, scientists, students, partners, and community members came together, united by a commitment to advancing heart health in South Australia.

The event opened with a warm welcome from The Hon. Chris Picton MP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, and the National Heart Foundation CEO, followed by a powerful lived experience presentation. These opening remarks set the tone for a day focused on connection, innovation, and the real-world impact of cardiovascular research.

Throughout the day, attendees heard from leading experts on topics ranging from coronary vasomotor disorders and mental health impacts to AI in diagnosis and rural heart care. Emerging researchers also took centre stage, sharing fresh ideas and discoveries.

A highlight was the poster session, where students and early-career researchers showcased their work. Congratulations to our award winners:

2025 SA CVRN Research Award winners

PhD Rising Star Award: Rudy Goh, Samuel Tu, Sarena La
Emerging Leader Award: Elizabeth Lynch
Cardiovascular Research Excellence: Janna Morrison
Best Oral Presentation: Naomi Wattchow
Best Poster Award: Gemma Wilson
People’s Choice Award: Farajollah Zare Jouneghani

The Showcase was a celebration of collaboration, curiosity, and achievement - reminding us all of the power of research to improve lives.

A group of researchers having lunch at the SA CVRN Showcase

2024 SA CVRN Research Awards

Congratulations to our 2024 Research Award recipients:

The SA CVRN Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence, recognising distinguished researchers for their lifelong achievement and South Australian contribution to breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease. Congratulations to the 2024 recipient Professor John Beltrame, University of Adelaide and Central Adelaide Local Health Network. Click to view the SA CVRN Research Award video that profiles John, his research and achievements.
The SA CVRN Professor Robyn Clark Award for Emerging Leader in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence and achievement by one early-mid career researcher, up to 10 years post-PhD. Congratulations to the 2024 recipient Dr Dorothea (Dot) Dumuid, University of South Australia. Click to view the SA CVRN Research Awards Ceremony video that profiles Dot, her research and achievements.
The SA CVRN Awards for PhD Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence in doctoral studies for three researchers up to one-year post-PhD. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients:

Biomedical - Dr Emma Solly, The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Click to view Emma’s SA CVRN Research Awards video
Clinical and Medical – Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, University of Adelaide. Click to view Marie-Claire’s SA CVRN Research Awards video
Public Health – Dr Katie Nesbitt, Flinders University. Click to view Katie’s SA CVRN Research Awards video

Funding opportunities

South Australian Kick Start Fellowship

The Heart Foundation's South Australian Kick Start Fellowship supports early career researchers based in South Australia to elevate career progress towards becoming fully funded postgraduate researchers.

Applications closed

Two travelling researchers talking and holding luggage traveling on a business trip, carrying fresh coffee in their hands.

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.

Applications closed

Female researcher wearing protective eyewear in a lab setting

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 Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)

Encouraging cardiovascular research excellence in South Australia