View source for Organization:Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

{{Short description|Australian medical research centre}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox institute
| name = Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
| image = Victor Chang bronze statue Klarfeld.JPG
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption = Life-size bronze statue of Victor Chang by sculptor Linda Klarfeld outside the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
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| founder = Dr. Victor Chang {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AC}}<br />{{small|(founded and named in his honour three years after his fatal shooting)}}
| established = {{start date|1994|02|15|df=y}}
| mission = The relief of pain and suffering, and the promotion of wellbeing, through an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of cardiovascular biology in health and disease.
| focus =
| president =
| chairman = Matthew Grounds
| head_label = Executive Director
| head = Professor Jason Kovacic
| faculty = University of New South Wales
| adjunct_faculty = {{unbulleted list|{{nowrap|St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney}}|{{nowrap|Garvan Institute of Medical Research}}}}
| staff =
| key_people = Patrons: {{bulleted list|Queen Mary of Denmark|Steven Lowy {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AM}}|Ann Chang {{small|(widow of Victor Chang)}}}}
| budget =
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| location = {{NSWcity|Darlinghurst}}, New South Wales, Australia
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| coordinates      = {{coord|33|52|43.357|S|151|13|19.122|E|region:AU-NSW|display=inline,title}}
| address =
| website = {{URL|https://www.victorchang.edu.au}}
| dissolved =
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}}
The '''Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute''' ('''VCCRI''') is an Australian non-profit medical research facility that is dedicated to finding cures for [[Medicine:Cardiovascular disease|cardiovascular disease]]. With headquarters located in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, the research hub is home to more than 20 research laboratories and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Innovation Centre. The institute's mission is "the relief of pain and suffering, and the promotion of well-being, through an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of cardiovascular disease". Its key research is focused on the prevention and treatment of various heart diseases, including [[Medicine:Arrhythmia|arrhythmia]], [[Medicine:Cardiac arrest|cardiac arrest]], [[Medicine:Cardiomyopathy|cardiomyopathy]], [[Medicine:Congenital heart defect|congenital heart disease]], heart attack, [[Medicine:Heart failure|heart failure]], high cholesterol, obesity, [[Medicine:Spontaneous coronary artery dissection|spontaneous coronary artery dissection]] (SCAD) and [[Medicine:Stroke|stroke]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/about-us |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was founded in memory of pioneering cardiac surgeon Victor Chang {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AC}}.<ref name="Remembered">{{cite web|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/surgeon-victor-chang-remembered-20110703-1gx0v.html|title=Surgeon Victor Chang remembered|date=3 July 2011|work=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Established on 14 February 1994, approximately three years after Chang's death, and opened by then Prime Minister Paul Keating,<ref name="Keating">{{cite web|url=http://pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au/transcripts/00009121.pdf|title=Address by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. J. Keating MP, to the Launch of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, February 15, 1994|first=Paul|last=Keating|date=15 February 1994}}</ref> the institute has become a world-class research and research training facility.<ref name="Annual Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.victorchang.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2008-2009-Annual-Report2.pdf|title=2009 Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Annual Review|publisher=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute|date=2009}}</ref>

==History==


=== Early years ===
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was officially launched on 14 February 1994, by Prime Minister Paul Keating, with Kerry Packer AC as patron, and Professor Robert Graham as executive director. The institute was originally founded under the auspices of the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Hospital. It was named in honour of [[Medicine:Heart transplantation|heart transplant]] surgeon Victor Chang, who died in [[Place:Sydney|Sydney]] under tragic circumstances on 4 July 1991. Dr Chang passionately believed in the ability for research to better the lives of many more than surgery ever could, saying "you can save hundreds of lives through surgery but you could save millions through medical research". On 27 February 1995, the institute was accredited as an independent research facility with Neville Wran {{post-nominals|country=AUS|sep=,|AC|QC}} as its inaugural chairman.<ref>{{Cite web|title=St Vincent's Research Campus - Our Legacy|url=https://www.svrc.one/one-campus/our-legacy |access-date=1 July 2020|website=St Vincent's Research Campus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=OGTR Accredited Organisations|url=http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/accredorg-1 |access-date=1 July 2020|website=Office of the Gene Technology Regulator}}</ref>

==== Official opening ====
On 1 November 1996, Diana, Princess of Wales officially opened the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute's temporary premises in Darlinghurst at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, touring several heart research laboratories. The Princess attended the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Royal Ball as the Guest of Honour on 31 October 1996.<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|title=Princess Diana at the Victor Chang Royal Ball|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JngH7kUATE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/1JngH7kUATE |archive-date=2021-12-13 |access-date=2020-06-30|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>  Following the death of Diana, the institute established the inaugural Princess' Lecture which was first delivered by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub in 1998.

In 2000 Dr Victor Chang was voted Australian of the Century by the people of Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AM Archive - Victor Chang named Australian of the century|url=https://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s67484.htm |access-date=1 July 2020|website=ABC AM Radio Archive}}</ref>

====Building opening====
On 4 March 2005, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was the guest of honour at the second Victor Chang Royal Ball. The Royal Ball aimed to raise funds to develop a purpose-built, world class research centre in honour of Victor Chang. With the help of Atlantic Philanthropies, construction of the Lowy Packer Building<ref name="AIA">{{cite web|title=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Lowy Packer Building - Architecture Gallery|url=http://dynamic.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=2009027494|publisher=Australian Institute of Architects}}</ref> commenced in August 2006 with a groundbreaking ceremony in Darlinghurst. The ten-storey Lowy Packer Building would become the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute's new home. Construction was completed in 2008 and on 3 September, the Lowy Packer Building was formally opened by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 September 2008|title=Princess Mary opens Victor Chang centre|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/princess-mary-opens-victor-chang-centre-20080903-gdsthm.html |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref> Crown Princess Mary also attended a dinner with Crown Prince Frederik held inside the new complex. Queen Mary is an Honorary Life Governor of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

=== Growth and milestones ===
In 2008 former NSW Premier The Neville Wran retired as chairman, becoming a patron of the institute. Steven Lowy AM took up the position. In 2013 Lowy stood down as chairman, leaving the board after six years as chairman and 19 years as a director of the institute. Matthew Grounds AM was appointed chairman of the board. In 2013, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute established an additional research laboratory based at the University of Western Australia. Led by Professor Livia Hool, the expansion marks the initial phase of the institute's plans to enhance cardiovascular research in Western Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heart Disease Research Western Australia - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/wa |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2019 the institute celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner at the Sydney Opera House. In 2020 the founding executive director of the institute, Professor Robert Graham stepped down after 25 years, handing over the leadership to Professor Jason Kovacic.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Professor Jason Kovacic to lead the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute|url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/news/new-executive-director-jason-kovacic |access-date=1 July 2020|website=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute}}</ref>

In 2022 the institute and The University of Western Australia announced an official partnership. Along with the new strategic partnership, an additional Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute laboratory was opened at the university.<ref>{{cite web |title=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and UWA join forces to tackle the country's biggest killer
|date=30 March 2022 |website=University of Western Australia |url=https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/Article/2022/March/Victor-Chang-Cardiac-Research-Institute-and-The-University-of-Western-Australia-join-forces-to-tackle-the-countrys-biggest-killer}}</ref>

== Research ==
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute focuses on medical research, centered around;
* [[Medicine:Arrhythmia|Arrhythmia]]
* [[Medicine:Atrial fibrillation|Atrial fibrillation]]
* [[Medicine:Atherosclerosis|Atherosclerosis]]
* [[Medicine:Cardiac arrest|Cardiac arrest]]
* [[Medicine:Cardiomyopathy|Cardiomyopathy]]
* [[Medicine:Congenital heart defect|Congenital heart disease]]
* [[Medicine:Coronary artery disease|Coronary heart disease]]
* [[Medicine:Fibromuscular dysplasia|Fibromuscular dysplasia]]
* [[Biology:Genomics|Genomics]]
* [[Medicine:Myocardial infarction|Heart attack]]
* [[Medicine:Heart failure|Heart failure]]
* [[Medicine:Heart transplantation|Heart transplantation]]
* [[Medicine:Hypertension|High blood pressure]]
* High cholesterol
* Obesity
* [[Medicine:Spontaneous coronary artery dissection|Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection]]
* [[Medicine:Stroke|Stroke]]
* Women and heart disease

==Location and facilities==
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, located within the purpose-built Lowy Packer Building,<ref name="AIA"/> is a major partner in the St Vincent's Hospital Research Precinct in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Other partners in the precinct are the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, and St Vincent's Hospital itself.<ref name="Annual Review"/> The institute was funded by grants from the Government of Australia and a donation from Kerry Packer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/changs-son-continues-heart-legacy/story-fn6e0s1g-1226086243435|title=Chang's son continues heart legacy|work=Sunday Telegraph|date=3 July 2011}}</ref> The Lowy Packer Building was funded by the grants from the Government of Australia and the Government of New South Wales and donations from the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Lowy and Packer families, the National Australia Bank, ANZ Bank, [[Company:Citigroup|Citigroup]], and other donors.<ref name="Annual Review"/> The budget for the building was A$80 m.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jacksonarchitecture.com.au/#/projects/victor-chang-cardiac-research-institute-lowy-packer-building/|title=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Lowy Packer Building|date=2008|publisher=Jackson Architecture}}</ref>

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute's laboratories in Western Australia are located on the grounds of The University of Western Australia, which is approximately ten minutes from Perth CBD. 

The VCCRI has state-of-the-art research laboratories and support facilities. The institute holds itself to the highest standards of excellence in research, research training and efforts to translate each new discovery into practical medical applications.<ref name="Annual Review"/>

==Structure and organisation==
The institute is governed by its board of directors, chaired by Matthew Grounds, an investment banker.<ref name="AR 2017"/>{{rp|13}}

{{as of|2017|12|31}} the institute had a team of over 300 research and support staff work across six research divisions, being:<ref name="AR 2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/uploads/Victor-Chang-Institute-Annual-Report-2017.pdf|title=2017 Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Annual Review|publisher=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute|date=2017}}</ref>{{rp|12}}
* Cardiac Physiology and Transplantation
* Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
* Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics
* Molecular, Structural and Computational Biology
* Vascular Biology, and
* Innovation Centre.
In addition, the institute has a business unit responsible for administration and core facilities and another unit that drives fund development.<ref name="AR 2017"/>{{rp|12}}

The Victor Chang Institute is also affiliated with the University of New South Wales, accredited by Australia's [[Organization:National Health and Medical Research Council|National Health and Medical Research Council]] (NHMRC) as an independent biomedical research facility; and is a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). The institute is also a Research Ministry within the Mary Aikenhead Ministries.

==Notable people==

===Chairman===
* Matthew Grounds AM<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Board - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/about-us/board-of-directors |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Executive director===
* Prof. Jason Kovacic

====Deputy directors====
* Prof. Sally Dunwoodie<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Scientists - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |url=https://www.victorchang.edu.au/about-us/our-scientists |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Prof. Jamie Vandenberg<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.victorchang.edu.au/home/our-research/faculty-detail/?faculty_name=prof-jamie-vandenberg|title=Prof. Jamie Vanderberg|publisher=Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute}}</ref>

===Researchers===

==See also==
* Health in Australia
* [[Medicine:Cardiovascular disease in Australia|Cardiovascular disease in Australia]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==



[[Category:Heart disease organizations]]

{{Sourceattribution|Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute}}