A Flinders University researcher based in Darwin has been selected for a prestigious international cardiovascular leadership programme, creating new opportunities to bring global knowledge and innovation back to the Northern Territory (NT).
Dr Bryce Brickley, a dietitian and Research Fellow in Men's Health, is one of only two Australians chosen for the 2026 World Heart Federation (WHF) Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme .
The programme brings together 25 emerging cardiovascular leaders from 16 countries to tackle some of the world's biggest heart health challenges.
Dr Brickley says the selection was both a professional honour and an opportunity to strengthen research and health outcomes for Territorians.
"This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with and learn from leading researchers and clinicians from around the world, while sharing the unique experiences and challenges of working in the NT," says Dr Brickley from the College of Medicine and Public Health.
"The knowledge, networks and practical insights gained through this programme will help strengthen our work in the NT and support better cardiovascular health outcomes, particularly for people living in rural, remote and underserved communities."
Dr Brickley's research focuses on men's health promotion, cardiovascular health equity, and improving health outcomes in rural and remote settings.
"I'm particularly interested in how policy, implementation research and evidence can be translated into real-world solutions that improve cardiovascular health," he says.
"I look forward to bringing those lessons back to the Territory and exploring new approaches that can help close health gaps and improve care for communities that often face barriers to accessing services."
The programme will be held in Florence, Italy, from 30 November to 3 December and will focus on integrated care for cardiovascular disease and multiple long-term conditions.
For Flinders University's Northern Territory team, Dr Brickley's involvement will provide access to global expertise, partnerships and emerging best practice that can be applied to local research and community health initiatives.
"While the programme has a global focus, the real value is what participants bring home," says Dr Brickley from Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute.
"I'm excited to contribute Northern Territory perspectives to international discussions and return with ideas, partnerships and knowledge that can help improve health outcomes for Territorians."
Heart Foundation Chief Medical Officer, Professor Garry Jennings says, "Dr Brickley's selection for this international programme is a terrific recognition of his work and the importance of strengthening cardiovascular care for people living outside major cities.
"Rural and remote communities experience a higher burden of heart disease and often face greater barriers to prevention, diagnosis and care. Building global partnerships and bringing new evidence back into local practice is exactly the kind of leadership needed to help close those gaps."
