Around 1,500 people die of cardiovascular disease in South Western Sydney every year. For women in particular, this rate is higher than the NSW average. Coronary heart disease, heart failure and peripheral vascular disease are also more common in this District than any other.

Higher levels of disease risk factors and lower use of preventative health services, compounded by language, cultural and financial barriers to healthcare access, only aggravate this issue. Not only is the population more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, but they are less likely to access the help they need when they need it.

Complex problems require innovative solutions; in an unprecedented collaboration, Ingham Institute has partnered with Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, the university of new South Wales and SWSLHD to strengthen heart research nationally, with a focus on south western Sydney.

Launched by the NSW Minister for Health in 2023, this year the partnership appointed a lead for the Research Centre, Professor Kazuaki (Kaz) Negishi.

Kaz is a Board-Certified Cardiologist in Japan and Australia and has spent time at Cleveland Clinic, the Menzies Institute, University of Tasmania, Royal Hobart Hospital and most recently, Sydney University and the Nepean.

Kaz holds the dual roles of clinical Academic Cardiologist within the Department of Cardiology at Liverpool Hospital and Professor and Chair of Cardiovascular Research at University of New South Wales. He specialises in cardiovascular disease among high-risk populations and the real time treatment of heart attacks. His key research focuses are:

• Cardio-Oncology and advanced cardiac imaging
• The impact of climate and air pollution on cardiovascular disease
• Space medicine.

Kaz will lead, foster and grow excellence in cardiovascular research, health policy dialogue and education in south western Sydney and beyond.

“Establishing this body of research in the south west will enhance our local heart research, which will ultimately translate into more lives saved,” said Ms Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Director of Ingham Institute, Professor Les Bokey, says Kaz’s expertise complements the Institute’s existing strengths in neurology, stroke, obstetrics, robotics, and cancer. Supported by a strong investment in clinical trials, the creation of this new Cardiovascular Research Hub will help achieve the Institute’s mission of local purpose, national significance and global impact.

“This is the start of a partnership that will lead to major improvements in cardiovascular health, which will have significant and unprecedented influence. Partnerships such as these are essential in addressing the needs of our population,” Professor Bokey said.

Kaz joins Ingham Institute with his team Tomoko Negishi, Koya Ozawa and Yosuke Katayama.