The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) is pleased to announce that Professor Jamie Vandenberg will serve as the next ACvA Board President, succeeding Professor Jason Kovacic who stepped down during the 17 November 2025 AGM.

Professor Vandenberg said he is honoured to lead the organisation as President and thanked Professor Kovacic for his leadership.

“Jason has brought incredible expertise and strong networks to the ACvA, and we’re deeply grateful for the energy and dedication he’s shown during his presidency,” said Professor Vandenberg. “I’m delighted he will remain on the Board and look forward to working with him, and all our directors, as we continue to build partnerships with government, healthcare, and industry that demonstrate the value of cardiovascular and stroke research.”

Professor Vandenberg is an internationally recognised expert in cardiac electrophysiology, the Deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and a Conjoint Professor in the School of Clinical Medicine at UNSW Sydney.

He has been a member of the ACvA Board since 2020, bringing deep insight and long-standing commitment to the organisation’s mission. In addition to his Board role, Professor Vandenberg serves on the ACvA Scientific Advisory Committee, provides strategic guidance to the Clinical Themes Initiative, and acts as a senior advisor for the annual EMCR Summit.

Professor Kovacic, Director and CEO of the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute, served as a member of the ACvA Board since 2020 and held the position of President from 2023 to 2025. He has stepped down from the presidency to take on the role of President of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)in 2026. Professor Kovacic emphasised the value of ACvA, saying that his advocacy work with AAMRI for Australian medical research strengthens and complements ACvA’s objectives.

“Taking on the presidency at AAMRI is an important opportunity to advocate for Australia’s medical research sector, ”said Professor Kovacic. “There’s a great deal of synergy between what AAMRI and ACvA are striving to achieve, and I look forward to helping strengthen those connections in the years ahead by being on both Boards.”