Celebrating 25 Years of Discovery at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
Kind supporters like you have been there since the beginning. Thank you.
Through the generosity of our supporters, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was founded in 1994.
In 1996 the Institute was officially opened by the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Beginning with just two scientists, it is now bustling with more than 300 researchers and staff.
Thank you for choosing to support the relief of pain and suffering.
The core mission of the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute is: “The relief of pain and suffering, and the promotion of well-being, through an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of cardiovascular biology in health and disease.”
Thank you for putting yourself at the heart of that mission by supporting this research.
The part you continue to play.
Your continued support is vital.
Cardiovascular disease continues to wreak havoc in the community. It claims the life of one Australian every 12 minutes.
While there has been enormous progress in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), of all disease groups in Australia, it still remains the main cause of death and disability.
In fact, there are indications there is a risk of a resurgence of CVD in Australia, particularly as the population ages and because of obesity and diabetes that are now an epidemic in our community. For example, there is a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure in the middle aged.
But with your continued support our vital research can continue.
“This year, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute celebrates 25 years of discoveries that we believe have contributed substantively to the prevention and treatment of heart and blood vessel diseases. These advances would not have been possible without the enormous help of generous people like you. So a very big thank you to all our supporters.” - Professor Bob Graham
Some of the key breakthroughs you have helped us achieve include:
2014: Researchers discover how to save 30% more heart transplant patients using a preservation solution and a special machine dubbed “Heart in a Box”.
2015: We discover a way to limit damage to the heart after a heart attack potentially helping 54,000 Australians who suffer a heart attack each year.
2017: A landmark pregnancy breakthrough has the potential to reduce recurrent miscarriages and various birth defects globally using vitamin B3.
2017: Scientists at the Victor Chang Institute discover that a unique immune cell in zebrafish allows them to completely repair their injured hearts, spinal cords, and retinal tissue.
2018: Researchers find that a microscopic probe and an MRI scan can be used to diagnose those likely to suffer a heart attack. They also discover that high activity of an inflammatory enzyme may increase chances of a heart attack.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
