Ingham Institute partnership

New strategic partnership will boost heart disease research in south western Sydney and NSW 

28 September 2023

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research (Ingham Institute) today announced they have signed a formal, strategic research partnership. 

The partnership between the south western Sydney-based Ingham Institute, and VCCRI, both of which are affiliated with UNSW Sydney, will strengthen heart research nationally. 

A foundation initiative of the partnership is the establishment of a new Chair in Cardiovascular Research based at Liverpool Hospital. This new appointment will significantly boost heart disease research and accelerate future scientific breakthroughs.  

The partnership is possible thanks to support from South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and UNSW Sydney, together with philanthropic support.

Ms Sonia Marshall, Acting Chief Executive South Western Sydney Local Health District said the partnership between VCCRI and Ingham Institute will allow clinicians and researchers to translate heart disease discoveries into direct benefits for patients. 

“Establishing a Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute presence in the south west will enhance our local heart research, which will ultimately translate into more lives saved,” said Ms Marshall.

Professor Jason Kovacic, Institute Director and CEO Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, says the partnership brings together two internationally renowned biomedical research institutes. “The benefits of this partnership will go far beyond NSW and will improve patient outcomes for all those suffering from cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Kovacic. 

“This exciting collaboration will allow us to develop a new and exciting shared vision that will translate into new treatments for heart disease, and also to more patients receiving those treatments.”

Director of the Ingham Institute, Professor Les Bokey, says Ingham Institute is acknowledged for its expertise in driving research into neurology, stroke, obstetrics, robotics and health technology, cancer, and cardiovascular. These are supported by a strong investment in clinical trials, and nursing, midwifery, and allied health.

“This is the start of a partnership that will lead to major improvements in cardiovascular health, which will have local and national influence. Partnerships such as these are essential in turning the tide of Australia’s biggest killer,” added Professor Bokey.

Harnessing the collective power of researchers and facilities from across Sydney’s health precincts will allow them to address the needs of culturally diverse communities. 

The teams will combine forces to develop a new research portfolio that will facilitate the sharing of facilities and resources, including VCCRI’s Innovation Centre. 

Both Ingham Institute and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institutes are affiliated with the University of NSW.

Professor Vlado Perkovic, Dean of Medicine and Health at UNSW, said this represents a strengthening of ties across key UNSW medical research institutes.

“This partnership between two of UNSW’s flagship research institutes will maximise research and clinical translational possibilities, that will ultimately be to the benefit of all people of NSW and Australia.”

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For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Julia Timms
Head, Media & Communications
j.timms@victorchang.edu.au
0457 517 355