The Heart Research Institute

31/03/2026

A new independent report from the of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) confirms what we've long known — medical research is one of Australia's smartest investments.
Institutes like the Heart Research Institute (HRI) are delivering measurable returns for both the economy and the health system.
The numbers speak for themselves:
🔬$3.90 returned for every $1 invested
✅ $4.07 billion in annual economic benefit
💊$5.80 returned for every $1 invested in clinical trials
Medical research institutes are a cornerstone of Australia's health system — driving clinical trials, translation, commercialisation, and highly skilled employment.
Yet the current funding model doesn't cover the full cost of research. Without action, the long-term sustainability of this vital sector is at risk.
HRI Scientific Director and CEO, Professor Andrew Coats, said:
"The evidence is clear — investing in medical research saves lives and saves money. But that only continues if we get the funding model right. Australia can't afford to underfund one of its highest-return assets."
Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4dpkcYF

30/03/2026

A growing number of older Australians could be living with a dangerous heart rhythm disorder without knowing it - and new research is working to change that.❤️‍🩹

Our researchers, led by Professor Ben Freedman OAM and Dr Nicole Lowres, have hit a major milestone in the SAFER-AUS trial — completing recruitment and screening of more than 600 Australians aged 70+ across NSW, WA and Tasmania. Using a handheld ECG device at home, participants checked their heart rhythm four times a day for three weeks.

Preliminary findings confirm that previously undiagnosed cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) were detected - cases that may otherwise have gone undetected until a stroke occurred. AF affects around 10% of Australians over 70 and increases stroke risk by up to five times.

This research is about shifting stroke prevention upstream, and could lay the groundwork for national screening, similar to breast or bowel cancer programs.

A huge thank you to Gabriella Rogers and Nine News for this fantastic coverage, and congratulations to the entire SAFER-AUS team including all the GPs and medical practices involved, Zenicor Medical Systems AB, and thanks to the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for funding this important work. 👏

20/03/2026

Last night, we were so grateful to be joined by supporters, keen to hear from HRI's emerging researchers, the leaders of the future who will change the landscape of cardiovascular research❤️

We gathered with supporters and partners to champion the next generation of heart researchers — our brightest minds in cardiovascular science:

🔬 Dr Christopher Stanley - pushing the boundaries of microvascular research 🔬 Dr Sian Cartland - pioneering cardiovascular immunotherapy 🔬 Dr Clara Liu Chung-Ming - making cancer treatments safer for patients' hearts 🔬 Assoc Prof Yanfei (Jacob)Qi - advancing our understanding of cardiometabolic disease

These researchers dedicate their lives to research in a field against a backdrop of increasing uncertainty and lack of job security - where 92 per cent of grant applications are rejected, and careers can end not because the science isn't good enough, but because funding is tight.

As HRI Ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong OAM OLY put it, our researchers are like elite athletes — training for years, pushing through setbacks, in pursuit of something far bigger than themselves.

Every dollar invested in an early-career researcher is an investment in a future breakthrough, a treatment not yet discovered, a life not yet saved.

Thank you to our wonderful hosts Morgan Stanley and to our friends at Estate Winery for their beautiful selection of wines. And a big thank you to Tracy Alexakis, who did a fabulous job in moderating our panel conversation.

And of course, to our wonderful guests who joined us - we appreciate you and value your support and investment in the future.

Want to support HRI's researchers? Visit https://bit.ly/4gxlrTF or get in touch

02/03/2026

What an incredible response to our Heart Health Month webinar with Fitness Passport!❤️🩺🧘👏
In February, HRI's Andrea Natoli joined Fitness Passport's wellbeing webinar series to talk all things heart health - from understanding your key risk factors, to the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, and simple steps you can take today to look after your heart.
Over 750 people joined live and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It's a reminder of just how much Australians want clear, trustworthy information about their heart health - and that's exactly what we're here for.
A big thank you to Fitness Passport for the collaboration and their support of HRI's mission.
👉 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4aU6r0Z

17/02/2026

We're proud to announce the launch of HRI's first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)! 🤝

This is an important milestone in our commitment to reconciliation, respect and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience cardiovascular disease 10-20 years earlier than other Australians. Our RAP outlines meaningful steps to address these inequities through strengthened partnerships, cultural awareness and embedding reconciliation into everything we do.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our launch event, including Michael West from Metro LALC, Kate Delaney from Reconciliation Australia, HRI’s Cultural Leads Aunty Carmen Parter, Uncle Boe Rambaldini, Uncle Joe Perry and our partner representatives.

"HRI's RAP is more than a document - it's a living commitment to respect, collaboration and shared healing." - Katie Moore, Djurali Centre

Learn more about our reconciliation journey: https://bit.ly/4rxiHvm ❤️💛🖤

10/02/2026

Today we recognise the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 🔬💙
At HRI, we're fortunate to work alongside talented women whose expertise and dedication contribute meaningfully to cardiovascular research and improved heart health outcomes.

This day invites us to reflect on how we actively support and inspire women and girls in science through:
🌟 Celebrating women at HRI by sharing their career journeys and achievements
🤝 Encouraging mentorship for early-career staff and students
📚 Supporting outreach with schools and universities to inspire the next generation
💜 Fostering an inclusive workplace where women are visible, heard, and supported

Today is about recognition AND reinforcing our commitment to equity, opportunity, and representation in science.
Thank you to ALL the women at HRI for the knowledge, leadership, and passion you bring every day.

22/01/2026

On this National Day of Mourning, the Heart Research Institute (HRI) stops to reflect and honour all people impacted by the Bondi terrorist attack that took place on Sunday 14 December 2025, just one month ago. We acknowledge the suffering and grief experienced by people in the Jewish community, the community of Bondi and more broadly, people across our beautiful country.

HRI stands together with those impacted, and our hearts go out to all on this National Day of Mourning. Through darkness may light shine, and may we all stand together, unified, strong and at peace.

17/01/2026

“We’re at constant risk of losing researchers who have put 10 years into their careers because they didn’t get a grant in the latest round, which had a success rate of one in 10. It’s hard to emphasise the sense of crisis.”

“The public doesn’t hear those stories, they don’t see young researchers whose ambitions are dashed. Maybe we need to stop being so polite and start calling it out for what it is: this is a tragedy.”

Thanks to Natassia Chrysanthos from the Morning Herald dfor shining a spotlight on this incredibly important issue. As HRI’s Scientific Director and CEO, Professor Coats says, the medical research sector is in crisis. And the consequences of this crisis will be devastating for everyone. ❤️🔬🩺🏥

Thank you to Andrew for speaking out! Please read and share. We need urgent attention and action.

Read the full article:

The head of the Heart Research Institute is telling young scientists medical research is a “terrible career path”. There’s a $5 billion answer in the government’s budget.

16/01/2026

"The genie is out of the bottle" 🧞

New commentary from HRI published in the European Heart Journal explores the wearable revolution in atrial fibrillation detection (AF) — and why we need to get it right.

Dr Nicole Lowres, Associate Professor Jessica Orchard and Professor Ben Freedman's paper: "Digital heartbeat: wearables for early detection and integrated management of atrial fibrillation" tackles a critical reality: consumer smartwatches and medical wearables have rapidly infiltrated healthcare, whether the medical community is ready or not.

The promise? Earlier AF detection, patient empowerment, and integrated care.
The challenges? Variable accuracy, unclear clinical pathways, data privacy concerns, potential psychological impacts, and the risk of widening health inequalities.

Before we embrace widespread screening, we need:
• Research in the right populations (eg. 65+, post-stroke, high-risk groups)
• Better integration with healthcare workflows
• Stronger regulation of personal health data
• Evidence on mental health impacts — not just stroke prevention

As the authors conclude: "Wearables are here to stay, and it is important to understand the benefits, limitations, and key areas for future research."

Congratulations to the team on this important contribution!

Read the full paper: https://bit.ly/3Npbmiq

13/01/2026

Celebrating our researchers! 🎉🔬
Dr Jaideep Singh, Dr Christopher Stanley and Assoc Prof Mary Kavurma have just published an important review in the journal, , exploring the tiny cellular mechanisms behind heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Their review examines mitochondria — the "powerhouses" of our cells — and what happens when they malfunction in our blood vessels.
Spoiler: it's not good. But understanding these mechanisms brings us one step closer to better prevention and treatment. 💙
Congratulations team! 👏

06/01/2026

"A Wangaratta family are sharing their story to help raise awareness about heart disease and hopefully help save lives in the process.

Retired Wangaratta pharmacist Chris Robb and his daughter Beth are part of the Heart Research Institute (HRI) 2025 Christmas Appeal, highlighting its work to prevent and treat heart attack and heart failure."

Thank you to for shining a light on HRI 's life-saving research and the wonderful Robb family. ❤️

Read the article now:

Wangaratta family raise awareness of heart disease, research and treatment

23/12/2025

A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our Christmas Appeal so far. Your donations will make a difference for people like Beth, who lost her mum too soon to heart disease.
There is still time to make a gift. Please help us give people more time with their oved ones. Support our life-saving cardiovascular research today. ❤️🔬
Donate now: https://bit.ly/47LvEJA