Media Releases

Centenary Scientist Awarded Prestigious RPA Medal

Centenary Scientist Awarded Prestigious RPA Medal

The Centenary Institute congratulates Professor Chris Semsarian on receiving the 2009 RPA Foundation Medal for Excellence in Medical Research. This prestigious honour recognizes excellence and outstanding achievement in medical research at RPA.  Professor Semsarian was given this award for his research into the clinical and genetic basis of heart disease in the young.

Each year hundreds of seemingly fit and healthy young Australians with no history or symptoms of disease die when their hearts suddenly develop rhythm problems.

With no warning, sudden cardiac death can leave families devastated.  And worse, as an inherited condition, they are often fearful for other members of their family.

At Centenary, Professor Semsarian leads a team of 10 scientists researching the causes, new treatments and possible cures for genetic heart diseases that can lead to Sudden Cardiac Death.

Professor Semsarian’s team compares the DNA of patients with a family history of genetic heart disease to the DNA of healthy genes to determine which gene faults have caused the disease.  Professor Semsarian can then test family members to see if they have the faulty gene and treat them accordingly.

Earlier this year, Professor Semsarian and his team launched the world’s first National Genetic Heart Disease Registry. The Registry will help health care professionals and medical researchers obtain information about the clinical and genetic aspects of heart diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention and treatment options. 

In addition, the Registry will provide an effective way for health professionals to keep in touch with families who are at risk of genetic heart disease. 

The RPA Medal provides a tremendous help to Professor Semsarian’s research to eradicate genetic heart disease.  The winner of the Award not only receives the RPA Foundation Medal but also a cheque for $50,000 to undertake further research into their chosen field of expertise.

Professor Mathew Vadas, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute says, “I am extremely proud of Professor Semsarian’s achievements.  His research into the causes of Sudden Cardiac Death and his efforts to put an end to cardiac disease will leave a lasting impact on the health of our global community. This award speaks of the high calibre work Professor Semsarian and his team have accomplished at Centenary.”