Research

HeartKids is the only research funding body in Australia that specifically drives research into the causes, treatment and management of congenital heart disease.

Our research agenda is simple: ‘To advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart disease.’ This commitment complements our understanding that congenital heart disease patients require lifelong and specialised care from an eco-system of health professionals including special CHD Cardiologists, Surgeons, Mental Health Professionals to name but a few.

Last year, HeartKids launched its partnership with the Congenital Heart Alliance of Australia and New Zealand (CHAANZ) to implement the bi-national CHD Registry and National CHD Survey. This strategic collaboration demonstrates the strength of health
professionals and consumers working together and driving health sector reform through research and evidence.

Our 30-year commitment to funding world class research was substantially boosted by HeartKids Advocacy to the Australian Government with the announcement by the Hon. Greg Hunt, Minister for Health, that childhood heart disease would be the Medical
Research Future Fund’s Fifth Mission.

2018 marks the 11th anniversary of HeartKids’ commitment to research. With the support of our sponsors and donors, HeartKids is proud to have committed over $4 million of funding for research projects looking to unlock the mysteries of congenital heart disease to date, via our two programs: Grants-in-Aid and Project Grants.

The specific focus of these programs has been to:

• Reduce mortality and/or morbidity of congenital heart disease

• Reduce the incidence

• Develop preventative measures

• Improve early detection

• Understand the causes and disease processes

• Improve treatments and management

• Gain a better understanding of the consequences of congenital heart disease and its treatment including the neurological,
  cognitive or social impacts on those affected and how these issues may be addressed.