Celebrating 30 Years of Discovery

In March, HRI celebrated 30 years since it opened its doors.

The original vision for the creation of the HRI was to establish NSW’s first medical research institute dedicated to the detection, prevention and treatment of heart disease.

On 17 March 1989, HRI was created as a financially autonomous medical research institute, to exist in the supportive environments of The University of Sydney and The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The Institute was spearheaded by cardiologists at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital led by David Richmond. The Institute’s model 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.

In the subsequent years, HRI has made numerous discoveries that have contributed to an improved understanding of cardiovascular disease. HRI has also been a breeding ground for top scientific talent, with HRI alumni now holding positions of influence throughout the scientific and medical fields.

Today, at state-of-the-art Eliza Street, Newtown facilities and the Charles Perkins Centre in Camperdown, HRI features over 180 personnel who are dedicated to finding solutions to Australia’s – and the world’s – number one killer: cardiovascular disease.

While over the last 30 years there has been substantial progress in improving the life expectancy and treatment outcomes of people impacted by cardiovascular disease, the job is far from complete. There are now more obese people than underweight people in the world, with Australia experiencing the fifth highest obesity rate globally. Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death in Australia – and the most expensive, costing $7.74 billion each year.

Today, HRI’s work and mission is more important than ever.