Heart attacks, stroke and thrombosis are debilitating and deadly: cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 38% of all deaths. Our research approaches cardiovascular research on many fronts that reflect the urgency and complexity of this problem.
Read more about the Cardiovascular Domain and its subdomains.
Professor Louise Burrell wins Distinuished Scientist Award
Professor Louise Burrell, coordinator of the Cardiovascular Research Domain, is the first woman to win The Austin Health Research Week's Distinguished Scientist Award. Professor Burrell has received $12.8 million in grant funding since 1994, published more than one hundred peer-reviewed journal articles, co-authored sixteen book chapters and has helped foster the careers of many young scientists and physicians.
Helping Scarred Hearts Heal
Breathlessness, angina, fainting and heart failure are symptoms of Aortic Stenosis, the third most common heart disease in the world, affecting up to 25% of people aged over 65.Aortic Stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve...Read More.
The High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia's 31st Annual Scientific Meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 December to Thursday 3 December 2009. Read more.
National Science Week: 10 of the Best Research Projects 2009
Congratulations to honorary researchers of the University of Melbourne, A/Professors Steven Stacker and Marc Achen, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and A/Professor David Thomas, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, whose research has been profiled in the National Health and Medical Research Council's book and accompanying series of podcasts "10 of the Best Research Projects 2009." Read more.
Two Austin cardiology research students awarded Pfizer Cardiovascular Lipid Research Grants
Dr Bryan Wai and Dr Ali Al-Fiadh, both cardiologists and RHD students in the Department of Medicine (Austin Health) have been awarded Cardiovascular Lipid Research Grants. The one year grants of up to $55,000 are funded by Pfizer Australia to support clinical research into cardiovascular disease. Dr Wai's research will look at novel genetic markers of cardiac disease in patients with diabetes and Dr Al-Fiadh will undertake research into retinal vascular structure and function as markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Roaming Researchers...Spring and Summer in Paris – une vraie sabbatique.
By Stephen Harrap
There is a long and proud history of links between France and Australia in the cardiovascular field, but they need to be maintained and nurtured by personal contact and commitment – the sort of thing that is no better achieved than through a sabbatical.
After 13 years as Head of Department and never having found the time or opportunity previously, I thought it was time to take a sabbatical and where better than in Paris and when better than in spring and summer. Read more.
Damaged arteries have healing properties
Cells within diseased human arteries may help generate new blood vessels, a University of Melbourne research team has shown. Human arteries can be collected with consent from patients who are undergoing cardiac surgery. During surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting, it is possible to harvest diseased vessels and nearby areas of non-damaged vessels for evaluation. University researchers found that biochemical embryonic stem cell markers were detected on these cells. Stem cells are potentially immortal cells capable of self renewal and have the potential to differentiate into various cell types. It is possible these cells could contribute to new blood vessel generation. The researchers support ongoing work in which these cells would be extracted from the vessel and investigated for their potential to divide, and to determine potential healing properties. Read the paper.
Dean's lecture series
Obesity has become a major health issue in the developed world. The health problems associated with obesity have led to the prediction that, for the first time, life expectancy will decline. Not surprisingly, many governments are considering initiating public health measures designed to stem the tide.
Graduate Research StudentsIf you are interested in doing a graduate research degree, please lodge an Expression of Interest.
The PhD Experience
Are you thinking of doing a PhD, but want to know more about what you might be getting yourself into? We invite you to listen to eight PhD candidates at various stages of their PhD share their experiences, as they plan their project, recruit participants, and analyse and communicate their results. Listen to the podcast on The PhD experience.