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Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network (Vic CVRN)

Heart research

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Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network (Vic CVRN)

Engaging, linking and working across the Victorian cardiovascular research sector

The Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network (Vic CVRN) launched in December 2023 with support from the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Stroke Foundation.

It is an independent, cross-institutional, multi-disciplinary network of people with an interest in the cardiovascular research sector in Victoria. The Vic CVRN aims to facilitate interdisciplinary research collaboration across Victorian institutions to promote cardiovascular research for the benefit of the Victorian population.

Benefits of being a Vic CVRN member:

  • Opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow professionally through shared research and networking
  • Support for Early and Mid-Career Researchers - dedicated initiatives and resources to help EMCRs build capacity and advance their careers
  • Exclusive invitations to attend showcases, webinars and workshops featuring leading researchers and experts in the field
  • Being part of a united voice advocating for cardiovascular research across Victoria
  • In the longer term, access to funding schemes developed by the Vic CVRN

We welcome Victorian 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.

Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network (VIC CVRN)

Join the network

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network (VIC CVRN)

Vic CVRN Steering Committee

The Vic CVRN Steering Committee provides governance and leadership to drive the priorities of the Vic CVRN for the benefit of the network.

The current committee includes:
  • Professor Rachel Huxley (Chair) – Deakin University

  • Professor Rebecca Ritchie (Deputy Chair) - Monash University

  • Dr Troy Walker (Indigenous Lead) - Monash University
  • Dr Michael Huang (EMCR representative) - Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
  • Dr Lachlan Dalli (EMCR representative) - Monash University
  • Shannon Nelson (Community member)
  • Professor Fadi Charchar – Federation University
  • A/Professor Nicholas Cox – Western Health

  • Professor Andrea Driscoll – Deakin University

  • Professor Grant Drummond – La Trobe University

  • Dr Mark Duckworth – Deakin University

  • Ms Chris Enright – Heart Foundation

  • A/Professor Tracey Gaspari – Monash University

  • Professor Natasha Lannin – Monash University

  • Dr Rahul Muthalaly – Monash University

  • Professor Brian Oldenburg – Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute

CVRN Rising Stars Sub-Committee

Beneath the Executive Committee sits the CVRN Rising Stars Sub-Committee, representing the interests of EMCRs, and responsible for guiding the program of activities designed to build research capacity and advance careers of our EMCR members.

CVRN Rising Star Sub-Committee members include:
  • Dr Lachlan Dalli (Co-Chair) - Monash University
  • Dr Michael Huang (Co-Chair) - Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
  • Dr Joel Coffie - Monash University
  • Dr Quynh Nhu Dinh - Latrobe University
  • Dr Lucette Lanyon - Latrobe University
  • Dr Rekeish Muralitharan - Monash University
  • Dr Alex Peh - Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
  • Dr Berhe Sahle - Melbourne University
  • Dr Madeleine Smith - Monash University
  • Dr Cheng Hwee Soh - Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
  • Dr Holly Voges - Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Vic CVRN initiatives

Banner for a webinar titled 'Strategies for SUCCESS' aimed at emerging leaders in cardiovascular disease research, focusing on the NHMRC Investigator Grant Scheme. The banner features logos of the Victorian Cardiovascular Research Network and the South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network.

NHMRC Investigator Grants Webinar

On Tuesday June 3rd 2025, the Victorian and South Australian CVRN EMCR subcommittees co-hosted an engaging and informative webinar focused on the NHMRC Investigator Grant Scheme.

Tailored specifically to Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) in cardiovascular disease research, the session featured valuable insights and practical tips from previously successful NHMRC Investigator Grant recipients and experienced peer reviewers.

Missed the live session or want to revisit the discussion?

Watch the webinar recording.

Vic CVRN Showcase:

Celebrating cardiovascular research excellence in Victoria

On Friday 21 March the Vic CVRN and the Heart Foundation hosted a special event at Deakin Downtown, Melbourne, celebrating cardiovascular research excellence in Victoria. This event coincided with The Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum in Melbourne, bringing together members of both the local and global CVD research communities, providing a great opportunity to network and collaborate.

The event was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Mr. Tim Richardson MP, with presentations from the following speakers:

  • Dr. Christine Faubert - Heart & Stroke Canada provided an update on the GCRFF International Research Challenge on Women's Cardiovascular Health
  • Dr. Amy Baxter - La Trobe University, Future Leader Fellowship Level 1 shared her biomedical research in boosting efferocytosis in vascular diseases to promote tissue repair
  • Prof. Kathryn Backholer - Deakin University, Vanguard Grant shared her public health research in developing methods to hold industries accountable for the marketing of products that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Prof. Stephen Nicholls - Director, Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash proved an update on the Victorian Heart Hospital

Join the Vic CVRN to be a part of this vibrant community.

 Professor Rachel Huxley, Chair Vic CVRN opening the Vic CVRN Showcase
Professor Rebecca Ritchie, Deputy Chair Vic CVRN presenting at the Vic CVRN Showcase
Dr. Christine Faubert, Vice President, Health Equity and Mission Impact, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, presenting at the Vic CVRN Showcase
Representatives of the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum Board, Heart Foundation and Vic CVRN at the Vic CVRN Showcase

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Last updated16 February 2025