Heart researcher named Young Tall Poppy

Institute news

Baker Institute postdoctoral researcher Dr Rachel Climie is one of 12 outstanding researchers from Victoria named in the 2020 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

Rachel is a Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow who works in the Baker Institute’s Sports Cardiology laboratory with a research focus on vascular ageing.

Her research aims to prevent heart disease by examining the gradual damage to blood vessels, known as vascular ageing, which can be identified before overt heart disease becomes apparent.

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death and disease in Australia and worldwide, causing one death every 12 minutes in Australia. That’s why prevention is critical,” Rachel said.

“Evidence shows that heart disease has its roots in childhood, so I’m working to pinpoint the best ways to prevent premature vascular ageing through healthy lifestyle behaviours from early life.”

Baker Institute Director Professor Tom Marwick congratulated Rachel on her Young Tall Poppy accolade, and its recognition of her world-leading research as well as her passion for science communication.

“Rachel is active in community engagement and advocacy through her roles on Australian Cardiovascular Alliance, as well as the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia Executive Committee, where she is responsible for an annual event called Pressure Wise,” he said.

“Rachel also frequently appears in the media talking about the importance of heart disease prevention. She was one of the driving forces behind our Institute’s Keep it Moving campaign to encourage the community to stay active while observing pandemic restrictions, and she enjoys interacting with school students to promote science.”

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to honour up-and-coming scientists who combine world-class research with a passionate commitment to communicating science. The awards are held in each state to celebrate researchers across science, engineering and mathematics.