Centre for Cardiovascular Health and Research

The CCVHR serves as a vehicle to formalise and accelerate ongoing efforts in cardiovascular research at UQ. With this centre, UQ will lead a consortium of activities from fundamental to translational research, as well as development of industry links and public advocacy.

The Centre’s work is organised into 6 research themes that each address a key element of pain within an integrated framework:

Mechanisms underlying cardiac homeostasis and disease 

The CCVHR integrates expertise in heart development, disease mechanisms, exercise physiology, stem cell and organoid models, and clinically relevant large animal studies to uncover pathways driving cardiovascular disease and identify therapeutic targets.

Learn more about the Mechanisms underlying cardiac homeostasis and disease theme.

Preclinical modelling of vascular biology and disease

The CCVHR unites leading expertise in vascular biology, immunology, physiology and genomics with cutting-edge preclinical models to uncover molecular pathways and therapeutic targets for vascular diseases, while integrating closely with cardiac research for a holistic approach to cardiovascular health.

Learn more about the Preclinical modelling of vascular biology and disease theme.

Genomics of cardiovascular disease 

The CCVHR leverages human genomics and genetic epidemiology to uncover disease mechanisms, improve risk prediction, and identify validated therapeutic targets, with projects spanning heart failure, inherited cardiac disease, and large-scale genomic studies.

Learn more about the Genomics of cardiovascular disease theme.

Cardiovascular bioengineering

The CCVHR develops advanced bioengineered cell culture platforms to better model cardiovascular function, enabling discovery and manufacture of novel therapeutics—including engineered grafts, exosomes, and cell and gene therapies with applications across heart and vascular disease.

Learn more about the Cardiovascular bioengineering theme.

Cardiovascular therapeutics

The CCVHR leverages its therapeutic development expertise to partner with local and international biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, advancing cardiovascular research and clinical translation.

Learn more about the Cardiovascular therapeutics theme.

Clinical research/public health

The CCVHR integrates clinical expertise across cardiovascular diseases, biomedical devices, biomarkers, exercise physiology, rehabilitation, and cardio-oncology with biomedical research to drive translational discoveries, patient-focused trials, and improved clinical guidelines.

Learn more about the Clinical research/public health theme.