New research opportunities awarded to cardiovascular researchers

The Sax Institute, NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN), and Heart Foundation have announced the winners of five new prestigious opportunities to conduct cardiovascular research.

Each opportunity is valued at well over $20,000 and provides early to mid-career researchers with access to the 45 and Up Study to power new research into cardiovascular disease.

Eighteen highly-competitive applications were received for this initiative and were reviewed by a panel consisting of members of the Sax Institute, CVRN, Heart Foundation and an independent reviewer. The review panel commended all applicants on the quality and diversity of the projects, and their potential to generate high-impact outputs with significant clinical and public health benefits.

Dr Kerrin Bleicher, Director of the Sax Institute’s Research Assets Division says the five winners will have a unique opportunity to further their research. “The 45 and Up Study includes three surveys conducted five years apart which have been linked to NSW and Commonwealth health data. This is an excellent opportunity to gain easier access to a comprehensive dataset and generate important evidence on cardiovascular disease.”

Given the success and interest in the grants, it is hoped this initiative will run again in 2021.

Congratulations to the following successful recipients of the 45 and Up Research Opportunity:


Lead Chief InvestigatorProject TitleInstitute
Jennifer WhiteUnderstanding health care use by Australian’s with cardiovascular disease: Change in health status and service over time,University of Newcastle
Wenbo PengQuantifying the health and economic impact of maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle in people with heart diseasesUniversity of Technology, Sydney
Kalinda GriffithsDeveloping an Australian cardiovascular risk assessment tool for people with cancer aged 45 years and olderUniversity of NSW
Chrishan Joseph NalliahAtrial fibrillation risk and management in women: a prospective Australian studyMacquarie University Hospital
Anna CampainPredicting non-adherence in heart attack survivorsThe George Institute

The 45 and Up Study is a world-class health asset that is ready and available to Australia’s researchers. Find out how to use the Study.