Our research program
The impact of our heart research
As a leading research funder of heart research in Australia, we are working to make health for every heart a reality. Since its establishment in 1959, the Heart Foundation has invested more than $850 million* into cardiovascular research. (* Funding amount shown is in today's dollars)
Through the generous support of our donors, we’ve facilitated life-saving discoveries, new and improved treatments and influenced policies and practices that support heart health. With over 200 currently funded researchers, we support research from initial discovery to innovations that transform heart health across Australia.
Every dollar invested brings us one step closer to achieving heart health for everyone in Australia.
Our annual impact reports
Each year, we publish an impact report that highlights the remarkable discoveries, accomplishments and real-world impacts of our funded researchers.
As research impact develops over time, our reporting cycle is structured so that outcomes are captured and communicated in the following year.
You can read our previous or current impact reports below:
The real-world impact of the research we support
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Building the evidence for better health
Showcases new knowledge and how it was shared through journal articles, conferences, and other publications or presentation
Growing together: people, partnerships, platforms
Captures capacity-building impacts that strengthen the research community, from supervising students to forging collaborations and securing additional funding.
Research that drives decisions
Highlights research translated into policy or practice changes, such as influencing hospital protocols, contributing to expert committees, or partnering with decision-makers.
Broader impacts on health, society, and the economy
Demonstrates larger-scale changes, including new health products or steps toward commercialisation.
Research Heroes - A/Prof Yugeesh Lankadeva
A/Prof Yugeesh Lankadeva aims to develop advanced therapies to reduce the risk of acute kidney injury and cardiovascular failure.
Research Heroes - Dr Jessica O’Brien
Discover more about Dr. Jessica O’Brien’s impactful research dedicated to improving health outcomes for Australia's First Nations people.
Research Heroes - Professor Joshua Lewis
Prof Joshua Lewis studies how bones and blood vessels work together, focusing on ways to catch and stop diseases before they lead to heart attacks.
Research Heroes - Dr Sonia Shah
As a human genetics researcher, Dr Sonia Shah uses her research to innovate new strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
How your contribution makes a difference
To continue supporting our world-leading researchers and their work, the Heart Foundation relies on donations from generous members of the community. Without this support, our research funding program would not be possible.
This project has also been a turning point in Dr Voges’ career, as this was the first major grant awarded for her original idea as an early-career researcher, which has since led to additional funding, the growth of her research team, and opportunities to mentor students.
Dr Holly Voges
Vanguard Grant
Every contribution helps us move closer to making health for every heart a reality. With your help, our leading approach to funding research will continue to:
- drive down the number of people claimed by Australia’s largest cause of death
- improve the quality of life of those with heart disease.
You can make a single donation or regular contributions. Or perhaps you might consider a more lasting contribution via a gift to us in your Will.
By donating to the Heart Foundation, you’ll be saving lives across generations as we work together towards an Australia free of heart disease.
Research funding portfolio
Understand the application process and requirements of our various funding programs.
Where your funds go
Every donation to the Heart Foundation helps in the fight against heart disease, which is the number one killer of Australians.
Research Connect
Subscribe to updates on heart health research, including ongoing study insights and funding opportunities.
Last updated15 January 2026
Last reviewed17 January 2024