Cardiac Researchers Receive Prestigious Award
The 2015 Heart Foundation Research Medal for Lifetime Contribution to Cardiovascular Research has today been awarded to two academics whose research has contributed to the prevention and early intervention of heart disease.
Professors Andrew Tonkin and Gregory Dusting were bestowed the award at the Heart Foundation’s National Office in Melbourne today. They have both been renowned leaders in cardiovascular research and cardiovascular pharmacology respectively for decades.
Professor Andrew Tonkin, who has worked with the Heart Foundation for over 35 years, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to medical research and has an international reputation in relation to the management of lipids. He is currently Head of the
Cardiovascular Research Unit at Monash University and a Consultant Cardiologist at Austin Health.
Professor Gregory Dusting has contributed significantly in the fields of prostaglandin and nitric oxide research which has improved our understanding of the causes and treatment of vascular disease. Currently, he is head of Cytoprotection Pharmacology Research and Executive Director of Research at the Centre for Eye Research Australia.
National Heart Foundation Chief Medical Adviser Professor Garry Jennings says both researchers have been tireless in their support of the Heart Foundation and the research program and are both worthy recipients of this esteemed award.
“Funding medical research was one of the first activities identified for the National Heart Foundation when it was established over 60 years ago,” Prof Jennings said.
“Since 1959, the Heart Foundation has invested more than $537 million towards heart research, helping to support some of Australia’s best and brightest researchers as they develop their careers.
“It is because of researchers like them that Australians are able to make life-changing decisions about how to prevent or manage heart disease. Congratulations to both Andrew and Gregory on this outstanding achievement,” he said.