Scientific Research Scholarships
Each year, The Baird Institute offers competitive Scientific Research Scholarships to support trainee cardiothoracic / cardiovascular surgeons, medical students and science students undertaking research in cardiothoracic or cardiovascular fields.
These scholarships are valued at $20,000 per year and are awarded for up to two years for an MPhil and three years for a PhD, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
The scientific surgical scholarships are open to both clinicians and scientists who are committed to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes in heart disease through rigorous academic research. By supporting students to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), The Baird Institute helps foster the next generation of research leaders in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular medicine.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Baird Institute recognises that meaningful advances in patient care depend on strong scientific foundations.
Our scholarships provide dedicated support to individuals pursuing in-depth research that has the potential to translate into improved surgical techniques, new therapies, enhanced diagnostics, and better long-term outcomes for patients.
Through this program, scholarship recipients are supported to:
- Undertake high-quality research in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular disciplines
- Contribute to innovative and translational research projects
- Develop advanced research skills and academic credentials
- Strengthen collaboration between clinicians and scientists
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an MPhil or PhD program at the University of Sydney prior to submitting their scholarship application
- Be conducting research in the cardiothoracic or cardiovascular field
- Demonstrate academic merit and a clear commitment to research excellence
Selection Process
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and involve:
- Submission of a formal written application
- Interview with a selection panel
Scholarships are awarded on the recommendation of the Chair of The Baird Institute and are administered directly by The Baird Institute.
Scholarship Requirements
Scholarship holders are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the duration of their higher degree.
Recipients must:
- Fulfill all academic requirements of their MPhil or PhD program at the University of Sydney
- Submit all required University progress reports on time, with copies forwarded to The Baird Institute
- Submit their thesis in accordance with University MPhil and Doctoral requirements
In addition, scholarship holders must:
- Meet with their nominated Baird Institute supervisor at least quarterly
- Provide progress reports to The Baird Institute at least every six months (or as otherwise required)
- Follow the reporting format determined by their supervisor
These measures ensure scholars are well supported, appropriately supervised, and progressing steadily toward successful completion of their research degree.
For further information on The Baird Institute scientific scholarships, or to apply, please email us by clicking on the red contact button below.
Current Scientific Scholarship Holders
Matthew Taper
I am a PhD student at the University of Sydney, currently conducting research at the Charles Perkins Centre in the O’Sullivan/Lal lab. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Sydney, where I was honoured with the Claude Bernard Prize for academic excellence.
Ageing is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of heart failure and other cardiac diseases. Yet, how ageing and the passage of time influence the heart is poorly understood, particularly the intricate relationship between ageing and heart disease. My research seeks to unravel these complex interactions. By employing advanced techniques, my work aims to create a comprehensive understanding of cardiac ageing. This will not only help identify the distinct changes between younger and older hearts but also uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve the quality of life in aged individuals. Moreover, this research seeks to differentiate between natural ageing processes and those that may lead to the development of disease, ultimately providing critical insights into more effective treatment targets and strategies.
I am deeply grateful to The Baird Institute for awarding me a scholarship to support this vital research. It holds the promise of making meaningful contributions to the field of cardiovascular health.
Wade Bocking
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Hons I) from the University of Sydney and working for Dr Grant Parnell as a research assistant at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, I have pursued a PhD to follow my passion for advancing medical research under the supervision of Dr Robert Hume and with the invaluable support of The Baird Institute.
A healthy circulatory system is essential for overall well-being, yet genetic and environmental factors can lead to vascular damage or blockages, resulting in life-threatening conditions. These complications often impair major organs and limbs due to insufficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen. To repair damaged vessels, surgeons often replace arteries with synthetic alternatives made from materials such as Dacron and Gore-Tex. However, these existing options often fail in the long term due to inadequate mechanical and physiological properties.
My research focuses on developing a degradable vascular graft designed to regenerate damaged vessels, ultimately restoring optimal blood flow and reducing life-threatening complications. If successful, these grafts could revolutionise vascular surgery by providing an ‘off the shelf’ solution that promotes natural vessel regeneration, mimicking the structure and function of a healthy vessel.
I am honoured and sincerely thankful to The Baird Institute for this opportunity, and I am committed to producing high-quality research that advances vascular graft technology and improves health outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease.
