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
- 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
- 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
- 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 - RMIT
- Dr Lucette Lanyon - La Trobe University
- Dr Rikeish Muralitharan - Monash University
- 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 events
Inaugural Vic CVRN EMCR Showcase 2025
On December 4th, 2025 the Victorian CVRN bought together emerging leaders in cardiovascular re-search at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). The inaugural EMCR Showcase: Preci-sion, Partnership, Progress brought together more than 70 students, scientists, epidemiologists and clinicians.
The program opened with a powerful lived experienced presentation from Shannon Nelson, Vic CVRN community member, followed by keynote talks on patient centred care and clinical research translation. Fourteen early and mid-career researchers shared their work, and we hosted two inter-active panels: 'How can research meaningfully benefit consumers' and 'Empowering EMCRs'.
Awards were presented for Best Published Paper across six categories, and we announced the Best Oral Presentation winner. The vibrant energy throughout the day fostered new connections, discov-ery and genuine collaboration, with the event marking an exciting milestone for the network.
2025 Award Winners
Best Published Paper
- Discovery Science PhD: Ting Fu, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Discovery Science EMCR: Dr Rikeish R Muralitharan, Monash University
- Public Health PhD: Dr Sean Tan, Monash Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University
- Public Health EMCR: Dr Sarah Gauci, Deakin University
- Clinical PhD: Dr Najmeh Davoodian, Deakin University
- Clinical EMCR: Dr Cheng Hwee Soh, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute
Best Oral Presentation
- Dr Sean Tan, Monash Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University
The Victorian CVRN gratefully acknowledges the support of Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sci-ences (MIPS) in hosting and supporting the event.
NHMRC Investigator Grant webinar
On 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 2025
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.
Connect with us
Follow us Vic CVRN LinkedIn for updates on events, grant and award opportunities, and other key activities throughout the year.
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Last updated19 February 2026