Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was founded in memory of pioneering cardiac surgeon Victor Chang AC. Established on 14 February 1994, approximately three years after Chang's death, and opened by then Prime Minister Paul Keating, the institute has become a world-class research and research training facility.

History

Early years

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was officially launched on 14 February 1994, by Prime Minister Paul Keating, with Kerry Packer AC as patron, and Professor Robert Graham as executive director. The institute was originally founded under the auspices of the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Hospital. It was named in honour of heart transplant surgeon Victor Chang, who died in Sydney under tragic circumstances on 4 July 1991. Dr Chang passionately believed in the ability for research to better the lives of many more than surgery ever could, saying "you can save hundreds of lives through surgery but you could save millions through medical research". On 27 February 1995, the institute was accredited as an independent research facility with Neville Wran AC, QC as its inaugural chairman.

Official opening

On 1 November 1996, Diana, Princess of Wales officially opened the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute's temporary premises in Darlinghurst at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, touring several heart research laboratories. The Princess attended the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Royal Ball as the Guest of Honour on 31 October 1996. Following the death of Diana, the institute established the inaugural Princess' Lecture which was first delivered by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub in 1998.

In 2000 Dr Victor Chang was voted Australian of the Century by the people of Australia.

Building opening

On 4 March 2005, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was the guest of honour at the second Victor Chang Royal Ball. The Royal Ball aimed to raise funds to develop a purpose-built, world class research centre in honour of Victor Chang. With the help of Atlantic Philanthropies, construction of the Lowy Packer Building commenced in August 2006 with a groundbreaking ceremony in Darlinghurst. The ten-storey Lowy Packer Building would become the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute's new home. Construction was completed in 2008 and on 3 September, the Lowy Packer Building was formally opened by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Crown Princess Mary also attended a dinner with Crown Prince Frederik held inside the new complex. Queen Mary is an Honorary Life Governor of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Growth and milestones

In 2008 former NSW Premier Neville Wran retired as chairman, becoming a patron of the institute. Steven Lowy AM took up the position. In 2013 Lowy stood down as chairman, leaving the board after six years as chairman and 19 years as a director of the institute. Matthew Grounds AM was appointed chairman of the board. In 2013, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute established an additional research laboratory based at the University of Western Australia. Led by Professor Livia Hool, the expansion marks the initial phase of the institute's plans to enhance cardiovascular research in Western Australia.

In 2019 the institute celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner at the Sydney Opera House. In 2020 the founding executive director of the institute, Professor Robert Graham stepped down after 25 years, handing over the leadership to Professor Jason Kovacic.

In 2022 the institute and The University of Western Australia announced an official partnership. Along with the new strategic partnership, an additional Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute laboratory was opened at the university.