CVD is the leading cause of death in Australia and represents the nation’s largest disease burden.

Despite a common misconception that CVD is solely linked to lifestyle choices and largely resolved, it remains a significant and complex health issue. CVD can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or lifestyle—and ongoing research and innovation are critical.

Australia has a world-class health and medical research sector, but continued investment is essential to maintain our momentum in tackling CVD. Without sustained funding, the sector cannot fully utilise its expertise or respond effectively to the growing challenges posed by CVD.

ACvA champions a national multidisciplinary approach to identify and close gaps in the most pressing areas of need and develop clear research priorities that will improve patient outcomes, ensuring Australia leads in life-saving discoveries, treatments, and health policy.

We advocate for a nationally coordinated cardiovascular research program that supports innovation from bench to bedside—spanning discovery, development, and delivery.

ACvA has 7 strategic flagships representing the capabilities across research spectrum: Disease Mechanisms, Drug Discovery & Translation, Biomedical Engineering, Precision Medicine, Clinical Trials, Big Data and Implementation & Policy.

These flagships conduct horizon scanning and set strategic priorities for investment in cardiovascular research to keep Australia at the forefront of tackling the CVD burden. Their insights shape ACvA’s advocacy agenda and amplify the voices of our members across the sector.

Objectives

To present a unified voice and advocate for the funding and policy that supports bold, mission-focused research and innovative strategies to address CVD.

Priorities

  • Disease Mechanisms
  • Drug Discovery and Translation
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Precision Medicine
  • Clinical Trials
  • Big Data
  • Implementation and Policy

Projects

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Blog

News and Publications

Browse the latest blog articles, research insights, and educational resources in cardiovascular and stroke health. 

News & Press releases

Strengthening Strategy, Connection and Collaboration

The recent ACvA Members’ Forum in Melbourne was an invaluable opportunity for members to connect face-to-face, share updates on key initiatives, and contribute to shaping our collective future

News & Press releases

2025 National Cardiovascular Data Summit

We're just back from our National Cardiovascular Data Summit held in Canberra last Friday 27 June.Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of mortality in Australia and we see data playing an integral role in improving patient outcomes.

News & Press releases

Press Release: National Summit Highlights Need for Workforce Sustainability in Cardiovascular Research Sector

Recommendations from the 2023 National Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Summit have been released highlighting current challenges in career progression and retention in cardiovascular research.

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Reports

Browse the latest reports from ACvA.

December 2024
Unmet Needs and Opportunities for Australian Innovation and Clinical Research to Improve Quality of Life and Outcomes in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Paper published in 'Heart, Lung and Circulation'
January 2024
Integrating Cardio-Oncology Across the Research Pipeline, Policy, and Practice in Australia—An Australian Cardiovascular Alliance Perspective
Paper publisehd in 'Heart, Lung and Circulation'
July 2023
Cardiovascular Disease Implementation and Policy Priorities for Australia: Recommendations From an Australian Stakeholder Roundtable
Paper published in 'Heart, Lung and Circulation'
June 2022
Don’t Turn Off the Tap! The Importance of Discovery Science to the Australian Cardiovascular Sector and Improving Clinical Outcomes Into the Future
Paper publisehd in 'Heart, Lung and Circulation'
April 2021
A Versatile Big Data Health System for Australia: Driving Improvements in Cardiovascular Health
Paper published in 'Heart, Lung and Circulation'

Join Us in Making a Difference

Join our community

Be part of a national community shaping cardiovascular and stroke research. Get involved today.