Two of the George Institute's leading cardiovascular researchers have been recognised as finalists in the 2025 Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards, which celebrate innovation and impact in heart health.
Senior Professorial Fellow Anthony Rodgers is a finalist for the Game Changer Award, which honours research that disrupts conventional thinking and transforms practice.
Professor Rodgers spearheaded the development of a new paradigm for treating high blood pressure, using low-dose combinations rather than the traditional 'start monotherapy and see' approach. This innovation recently became the first FDA-approved polypill for blood pressure control and led the way for the category to be added to the WHO Essential Medicines List. It has also shown promise in stroke prevention, cutting the risk of a secondary event by about two-fifths in the landmark TRIDENT trial.
"Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, yet control rates remain unacceptably low. Low-dose combinations offer a simple, scalable solution that can potentially help millions of people living with high blood pressure globally.
By:Professor Rodgers,
Acting Director of the Cardiovascular Division at The George Institute, Australia
Professorial Fellow Alta Schutte, SHARP Professor and Theme Lead for Cardiac, Vascular and Metabolic Medicine at UNSW Sydney is a finalist for the Translation Award, which recognises research that moves from concept to real-world impact. Professor Schutte is a global leader in hypertension research and co-chair of the National Hypertension Taskforce of Australia, driving the country's Hypertension Roadmap to achieve 70% blood pressure control by 2030.
"Uncontrolled blood pressure remains one of the most significant and preventable risk factors for death and disease worldwide. Our work is about turning evidence into action, making sure effective treatments reach everyone, everywhere.
By:Alta Schutte,
Professorial Fellow at The George Institute Australia
The ACvA Awards celebrate excellence across the cardiovascular research community, highlighting breakthroughs that improve health outcomes for Australians and beyond.
Winners will be announced in February 2026.
