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)
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
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?
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.
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NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (NSW CVRN)
Collaboration of NSW most eminent cardiovascular researchers. Combining expertise in the fields of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
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.
Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network (QCVRN)
Launched by the Governor of Queensland in November 2015, the Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network (QCVRN) provides a framework to strengthen cardiovascular research in Queensland.
Last updated16 February 2025