Foundation partnership
Our partnership with Sydney Local Health District is built into the foundations of the Heart Research Institute. The creation of HRI was spearheaded by cardiologists at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. David Richmond, Phil Harris and David Kelly had a vision of a financially autonomous medical research institute, which would exist in the supportive environments of The University of Sydney and the hospital. On 17 March 1989, HRI opened its doors. This institute would allow scientists to be inspired by the challenges encountered at the patient's bedside, while also giving them access to the multidisciplinary capabilities of a major university – a model for how contemporary medical research institutes organise themselves for maximum translational impact and improved public health outcomes today.
HRI Director of Cardiovascular Research Prof Shaun Jackson (left) and SLHD Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson AM (right) presenting the SLHD Early/Mid-Career Researcher Award to Assoc Prof John O'Sullivan (centre) at Illuminate.