Funding announcement 2018

With a focus on biomedical research and innovation, the NSW Government’s Program is expected to significantly boost employment opportunities in science and technology, attracting the best and brightest researchers and clinician scientists to the State.

The initiative will also support research grants aimed at advancing fundamental discoveries, to rapidly convert breakthroughs into better treatments for patients with heart disease.

Ultimately, the investment will confirm NSW as a destination for smart business, innovation and biotechnology and will generate significant commercial interest from private industry investors.

Rolled out over ten years, the funding announcement is being applauded by the State’s leading cardiovascular research institutes, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and the Heart Research Institute.

NSW, and Australia at large, are facing a heart disease epidemic. It is the leading cause of death and disability, with one Australian dying every 12 minutes, and a further 3.7million people suffering from cardiovascular disease across the country.

According to Professor Bob Graham, Executive Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, the scale of the problem demands a visionary, multi-disciplined solution involving researchers, clinicians, public health advocates and government.

“Urgent action is required to tackle this burgeoning epidemic of heart disease in NSW. Today the State Government has shown its commitment towards preventing this looming health crisis,” Professor Graham explained.

“As a cardiologist, I have seen firsthand the scourge of heart disease. This is the greatest emerging threat to our community that we’ve faced in decades. Over 60% of Australians are now classified as overweight or obese, with Western Sydney home to some of the nation’s highest levels of obesity and diabetes. It needs to stop.”

“Research into heart disease is needed now more than ever. What’s particularly visionary of the NSW Government is its strong show of support for biomedical research - the engine driver of discovery. More research is desperately needed to understand what can be done to save lives, and to protect future generations from becoming victims to heart disease,” Professor Graham added.

“This funding will go a long way in addressing this problem and the NSW Government should be applauded for its commitment to fundamental biomedical research and innovation.”