Partnership to boost heart disease research

The Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research (Ingham Institute) have signed a formal, strategic research partnership to strengthen heart research nationally.

Looking to boost heart disease research and accelerate future scientific breakthroughs, a foundation initiative of the partnership between both the institutes — affiliated with UNSW Sydney — is the establishment of a new Chair in Cardiovascular Research based at Liverpool Hospital.

The teams will combine forces to develop a new research portfolio that will facilitate the sharing of facilities and resources, including VCCRI’s Innovation Centre.

Harnessing the collective power of researchers and facilities from across Sydney’s health precincts will allow the partnership — backed by the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and UNSW Sydney, together with philanthropic support — to address the needs of culturally diverse communities.

Sonia Marshall, Acting Chief Executive SWSLHD, said the partnership between VCCRI and the Ingham Institute will allow clinicians and researchers to translate heart disease discoveries into direct benefits for patients.

“Establishing a Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute presence in the south west will enhance our local heart research, which will ultimately translate into more lives saved,” Marshall said.

Professor Jason Kovacic, Institute Director and CEO of VCCRI, said the partnership brings together two internationally renowned biomedical research institutes. “The benefits of this partnership will go far beyond NSW and will improve patient outcomes for all those suffering from cardiovascular disease,” Kovacic said.

Director of the Ingham Institute Professor Les Bokey said the Ingham Institute is acknowledged for driving research into neurology, stroke, obstetrics, robotics and health technology, cancer and cardiovascular disease. These are supported by a strong investments in clinical trials, and nursing, midwifery and allied health.

“This is the start of a partnership that will lead to major improvements in cardiovascular health, which will have local and national influence. Partnerships such as these are essential in turning the tide of Australia’s biggest killer,” Bokey added.

The teams will develop a research portfolio that will facilitate the sharing of facilities and resources, including VCCRI’s Innovation Centre.

Professor Vlado Perkovic, Dean of Medicine and Health at UNSW, said this represents a strengthening of ties across key UNSW medical research institutes.

“This partnership between two of UNSW’s flagship research institutes will maximise research and clinical translational possibilities, that will ultimately be to the benefit of all people of NSW and Australia.”

Both the Ingham Institute and VCCRI are affiliated with UNSW.

Image credit: iStock.com/Sewcream