A new partner in our expansion across Australia
Woodside adds its support to new home of heart disease research centre in WA
29 September 2021
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is excited to announce another partner in its expansion across the country.
Just weeks after announcing the establishment of Western Australia’s first dedicated centre of cardiovascular research, the Institute has secured funding from Woodside Energy to further invest in this collaborative project with the University of Western Australia (UWA).
“We appreciate this support from Woodside which will enable us to expand the work we have been doing to transform the face of heart disease research in Western Australia. It will also help us take those next crucial steps toward growing our national footprint for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute,” says Professor Livia Hool, VCCRI Faculty Head and UWA academic within the School of Human Sciences.
“Cardiovascular research is significantly underfunded in WA, placing us at a disadvantage compared to other states such as Victoria and NSW. We also have unique needs here due to our geography and remote regions that require support for research initiatives to ensure that no one is disadvantaged.
“The contribution from Woodside is extremely welcome, especially as it comes on World Heart Day, and it will enable us to spend more time in the laboratory making discoveries. It will be essential to enhancing the ground-breaking projects already underway, as well as helping us deliver future scientific breakthroughs.”
Professor Hool says the donation will progress her critical research currently underway into hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is the leading cause of cardiac death in children aged between five and 15.
“About one in 500 people carry a genetic mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – or an enlarged heart. Excitingly, my team has discovered a way to prevent the heart from becoming larger. If it is effective in human trials, it will be the first-ever treatment to prevent the development of the disease,” says Professor Hool.
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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
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.
