The Heart Research Institute

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

22/12/2025

22/12/2025

Wishing everyone, particularly our loyal supporters, a very happy and healthy Christmas with your loved ones and a wonderful new year!🎄❤️
What an incredible year 2025 has been. We've hosted impactful events, advanced our life-saving cardiovascular research, and made real strides in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Your commitment has helped us achieve so much.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for making a genuine difference. We would love to welcome you for a tour in 2026 to meet our talented team and see firsthand the impact of your support. If you're interested in learning more about the work at HRI, please reach out – we'd be delighted to host you!
Here's to a happy, healthy, and bright 2026! ❤️🙏🔬

18/12/2025

"Our lives turned upside down in late 2007. Maureen, my wife of 46 years, had two leaking valves and a failing heart. Her cardiologist told us plainly: they were 'too far gone to repair.' The love of my life was dying."
💔💔💔
Chris watched Maureen deteriorate, counting down the days to her first surgery. She had weeks to live.
Then came three open-heart surgeries over 11 years. Three times he sat in that family waiting room. Three times surgeons gave her back to him.
"The memories created in that time are immeasurable — they sustain me in my loss," Chris says.
Maureen met her granddaughter. Created stunning textile art. Travelled. Lived.
All because of cardiovascular research.
Right now, another family is being told their time is running out. Your donation funds the research that gives them hope.
💙 Read Chris's story and give the gift of more time this Christmas → https://bit.ly/43isGuN

15/12/2025

HRI extends our deepest condolences, love and strength to all people impacted by the horrific and senseless attack in Bondi yesterday.💔

Our thoughts are with victims, their families and everyone affected, particularly our friends and supporters in the Jewish community. This is an immensely sad time and the horror that unfolded will leave Australian people, particularly people of the local community in Sydney's Eastern beaches forever changed.

We extend our heartfelt support to all affected, and we stand in absolute solidarity with the Jewish community.

May kindness triumph over evil, and may we all come together and support each other through this difficult time.

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800