Ten of the best

Pioneering research that targets the kidneys in order to fight chronic heart failure has been recognised as one of the 10 best projects funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 2011.

The work of Professor Henry Krum, Director of Monash Centre for Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics has been included in the NHMRC publication Ten of the Best Research Projects 2011 launched today in Canberra.

The publication highlights 10 projects chosen for the strength of their research and the significance of their outcomes for improving the health of Australians.

Professor Krum, who began his career as a clinician before moving into research, is a recognised leader in the development of new treatments for cardiovascular conditions. He leads a Monash team working on a number of methods to treat heart disease, including investigating new drug therapies, the potential application of stem cells, and the connection between nerve function in the kidneys and the heart. 

This year his team will begin human trials of a kidney medication that would improve heart function. 

"A poorly functioning heart leads to a poorly functioning kidney, and a poorly functioning kidney makes it harder for the heart to pump - we are looking for new treatments to break that cycle," Professor Krum said. 

Previously, Professor Krum had helped develop a revolutionary keyhole-surgery procedure for patients with drug resistant hypertension. The procedure uses radio waves to disrupt nerves near the kidneys and influence blood pressure. 

Many patients who have undergone the half-hour procedure show a reduction in blood pressure, which, if left untreated, could lead to heart attack or stroke. 

In 2011, Professor Krum was honoured with a Top Ranked Practitioner Fellowship at the NHMRC's 75th Anniversary Symposium. Practitioner Fellowships are awarded to the top 10 per cent of active clinicians and public health professionals to undertake research that is linked to their practice.