Integrating microbes, genetics, and molecular biology to prevent cardiovascular disease
The Hypertension Research Laboratory
Welcome to our lab!
Our vision is to improve cardiovascular health by building exceptional researchers.
Our mission is to empower, inspire, and develop exceptional scientists dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health through innovative research and collaboration. We aim to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive research environment where respect, curiosity, and fulfilment drive our pursuit of excellence. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, team psychological safety and mutual respect, we strive to make significant contributions to our community and improve the cardiovascular well-being of individuals worldwide.
New papers
Evidence showing that lack of dietary fibre leads to gut dysbosis and increases blood pressure published in Circulation
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Detailed mechanism of how gut microbiomes regulate blood pressure when we eat fibre, published in Circulation Research
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Evidence that people with high blood pressure have a higher intestinal pH, published in Hypertension
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A roadmap to support cardiovascular researchers
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Calling a change in research culture
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Want to learn everything about gut microbiota in hypertension?
Check out our review published in Nature Reviews Nephrology.
Our guidelines paper published in Hypertension
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The STORMS guidelines for reporting human microbiome studies we contributed to, published in Nature Medicine
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Evidence that gut microbial substances lower blood pressure in patients published in Nature Cardiovascular Research.
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Check out our review published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology about gut microbiome, parental diet and offspring health
Awards
The last few years have been very successful for our team! Since the start of the lab in Nov-2018, our members won or were finalists for over 200 awards and travel grants!
This includes the prestigious Australian Academy of Science Gottschalk Medal, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Jian Zhou Medal, the International Society of Hypertension Mid-Career Award, the Women's Agenda STEM Award, International Society of Hypertension, High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia, 10x Genomics, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, EMBL and others - just WOW.
Photos of some of our awards can be seen here
Media appearances
We believe that part of being a good scientist is being able to communicate effectively with the public.
Check out some of our contributions to blogs, videos, STEM profile, news and interviews
Our diversity statement
"We understand that scientific excellence depends on creativity, that creativity emerges from diversity, and that the advantages of diversity are realized through inclusion." - David Asai
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Our lab members recognise that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for scientific excellence. We are committed to fostering an environment that aligns with our core values of respect, curiosity, and fulfilment:
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Respect: We actively challenge our unconscious biases and hold each other accountable. We value the voices of under-represented groups, respect diverse opinions, and create a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment.
Curiosity: We believe that innovation stems from curiosity and creativity, which are fuelled by diversity. We strive to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where all ideas can flourish.
Fulfilment: We provide equal opportunities for all, ensuring that every team member can achieve personal and professional fulfilment in a supportive and equitable environment.​
Contact Us
Victorian Heart Institute,
Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health
Sciences
Monash University, Clayton,
Melbourne, Australia
+61-03-9905 6958