South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)
Encouraging cardiovascular research excellence in South Australia
In 2023, the Heart Foundation reinstated the SA CVRN with the aim of nurturing and empowering a dynamic and collaborative cardiovascular research community in South Australia. The network has grown to over one hundred members, each bringing diverse expertise and representing various research institutes across the state.
The SA CVRN is committed to elevating cardiovascular research in South Australia by fostering collaboration, building research capacity, securing increased research funding, and advocating for the significance of cardiovascular research to external stakeholders.
Benefits of a being a SA CVRN member:
- Connection with South Australian cardiovascular researchers and research affiliates;
- Invitations to participate and attend forums, workshops, masterclasses and seminars with research leaders;
- Access to information on emerging research, upcoming conferences, grant opportunities and events;
- Being part of a collective voice to support cardiovascular research in South Australia.
We welcome South Australian researchers, clinicians, community, government and industry representatives who share an interest and passion for cardiovascular research to become part of our network. Membership is free, and we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those engaged in research and others, to join us.
South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN)
SA Executive Committee
The SA CVRN Executive Committee provides governance and leadership to drive the priorities of the SA CVRN for the benefit of the Network.
The current committee members
- Professor Peter Psaltis, (Co-Chair) South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
- A/Professor Christina Bursill, (Co-Chair) South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
- Professor Hannah Keage, University of South Australia
- A/Professor Elizabeth Lynch, Flinders University
- A/Professor Adrian Elliott, University of Adelaide
- A/Professor Rajiv Mahajan, University of Adelaide
- Dr Cher-Rin Chong, Basil Hetzel Institute
- Dr Katharine Brown, The Kids Institute
- Dr Emily Aldridge, University of Adelaide
- Dr Rebecca Perry, University of South Australia
- Dr Sophie Wiszniak, University of South Australia
- Dr Celine Gallager, University of Adelaide
- Mrs Christina Underwood, consumer member
CVRN Rising Stars Sub-Committee
The Rising Star Sub-Committee represents the interests of the Early-Mid Career Researchers of the network. This Committee is responsible for shaping a program of tailored initiatives specifically catering to the interest and developmental needs of EMCRs focusing on capability and capacity building activities.
CVRN Rising Star Sub-Committee members
- Dr Katharine Brown (Chair) – The Kids Institute
- Dr Emily Aldridge, University of Adelaide
- Dr Anna Oszmiana, The National Heart Foundation of Australia
- Dr Victoria Nankivell, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
- Dr Emma Solly, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
- Dr Joyce Ramos, Flinders University
- Dr Lemma Bulto, University of Adelaide
- Mrs Jenelle Dziano, University of Adelaide
- Dr Bethany Gower, University of South Australia
- Dr James Chan, Flinders Medical Centre
- Mr Jackson Howie, University of Adelaide
- Dr Sanuri Liyange, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
- Dr Daryl Ooi, SA Health
- Dr Kacie Dickinson, Flinders University
- Dr Clementine Labrosciano, University of Adelaide
- Dr Tharshy Pasupathy, University of Adelaide
- Dr Amy Hutchinson, University of Adelaide
- Dr Malessa Pathirana, University of Adelaide
- Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, University of Adelaide
The 2025 SA CVRN Research Showcase and Awards
Showcase
The SA CVRN Showcase 2025 is a full-day event celebrating the depth and diversity of cardiovascular research across South Australia. This year, the Showcase will be held on Monday 1 December 2025 at Festival Tower, Flinders University.
This year’s program brings together clinicians, researchers, policy leaders, and community voices to explore the latest advances, challenges, and opportunities in cardiovascular health. The day will feature a dynamic and inclusive program that reflects the breadth of cardiovascular research across South Australia. With insights from sector leaders and a powerful lived experience presentations grounding the event in patient centred care. The program explores key themes including:
- cardiovascular health equity for First Nations communities
- the psychological impacts of cardiovascular events, and
- emerging scientific advances in areas such as atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, autonomic dysfunction, and diabetic complications.
Attendees will also engage with cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and its role in cardiovascular diagnostics. Poster sessions during morning tea and lunch will provide opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. A lively debate will challenge perspectives on cardiovascular risk awareness and screening, while translational research presentations will highlight lessons learned from community-based programs. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony, celebrating innovation and excellence in cardiovascular research.
Abstract submissions
A key feature of this year’s program is the inaugural Research Prize Session, where the top four abstracts will be presented in oral format, with the winner announced at the Research Awards ceremony immediately following the Showcase. In addition, researchers will have the opportunity to present their work in poster sessions, fostering discussion and collaboration across disciplines.
Successful applicants will have their abstracts published in an electronic program, and the prizes to be won include:
- Best Research Prize Oral Presentation
- Moderated Poster Prize
- People’s Choice Award (Poster)
The Showcase offers an excellent platform to share research, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections within the South Australian cardiovascular research and clinical community.
Submit your abstract submission by Friday 17 October 2025 at 5pm ACDT.
Abstract submissions
A key feature of this year’s program is the inaugural Research Prize Session, where the top four abstracts will be presented in oral format, with the winner announced at the Research Awards ceremony immediately following the Showcase. In addition, researchers will have the opportunity to present their work in poster sessions, fostering discussion and collaboration across disciplines.
Successful applicants will have their abstracts published in an electronic program, and the prizes to be won include:
- Best Research Prize Oral Presentation
- Moderated Poster Prize
- People’s Choice Award (Poster)
The Showcase offers an excellent platform to share research, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections within the South Australian cardiovascular research and clinical community.
All submissions will undergo a peer-review process by the Scientific Committee. Notification of abstract outcomes are expected in early November.
Submit your abstract submission by Friday 17 October 2025 at 5pm ACDT.
The 2025 SA CVRN Research Awards
We are pleased to offer the annual SA CVRN Awards for Cardiovascular Research to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions to research in cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes, stroke and renal disease.
Nominations are now open
Nominations close: Friday 17 October, 5pm ACST
There are three award categories:
- The SA CVRN Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence, recognising distinguished researchers for their lifelong achievement and South Australian contribution to breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease. Download the guidelines and application form here.
- The SA CVRN Professor Robyn Clark Award for Emerging Leader in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence and achievement by one early-mid career researcher, up to 10 years post-PhD. Download the guidelines and application form here.
- The SA CVRN Awards for PhD Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence in doctoral studies for three researchers up to one-year post-PhD in Biomedical, Clinical & Medical and Public Health. Download the guidelines and application form here.
Awardees will be recognised and receive their award at the SA CVRN Awards Ceremony, part of the 2025 SA Cardiovascular Research Showcase, 1 December 2025.
2024 SA CVRN Research Awards
Congratulations to our 2024 Research Award recipients:
- The SA CVRN Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence, recognising distinguished researchers for their lifelong achievement and South Australian contribution to breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease. Congratulations to the 2024 recipient Professor John Beltrame, University of Adelaide and Central Adelaide Local Health Network. Click to view the SA CVRN Research Award video that profiles John, his research and achievements.
- The SA CVRN Professor Robyn Clark Award for Emerging Leader in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence and achievement by one early-mid career researcher, up to 10 years post-PhD. Congratulations to the 2024 recipient Dr Dorothea (Dot) Dumuid, University of South Australia. Click to view the SA CVRN Research Awards Ceremony video that profiles Dot, her research and achievements.
- The SA CVRN Awards for PhD Rising Star in Cardiovascular Research, recognising research excellence in doctoral studies for three researchers up to one-year post-PhD. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients:
- Biomedical - Dr Emma Solly, The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Click to view Emma’s SA CVRN Research Awards video
- Clinical and Medical – Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, University of Adelaide. Click to view Marie-Claire’s SA CVRN Research Awards video
- Public Health – Dr Katie Nesbitt, Flinders University. Click to view Katie’s SA CVRN Research Awards video
Funding opportunities
South Australian Kick Start Fellowship
The Heart Foundation's South Australian Kick Start Fellowship supports early career researchers based in South Australia to elevate career progress towards becoming fully funded postgraduate researchers.
South Australian Travel Grants (E O Myers and SA Cardiovascular Research Fund)
The South Australian Travel Grants (E O Myers and SA Cardiovascular Research Fund) provides grants to support medical education, advancing the knowledge and skill of cardiology health professionals in South Australia.
Applying for research funding with the Heart Foundation
New funding opportunities for 2025 are now available. Learn more about our funding programs, requirements, and application dates now.
NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (NSW CVRN)
Collaboration of NSW most eminent cardiovascular researchers. Combining expertise in the fields of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network (QCVRN)
Launched by the Governor of Queensland in November 2015, the Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network (QCVRN) provides a framework to strengthen cardiovascular research in Queensland.
Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance (WACRA)
WACRA is the voice of Western Australian cardiovascular researchers
Last updated03 October 2025
Last reviewed11 June 2024