Born and raised in Nevada, USA, Dr Melissa Farnham originally had no interest in research. Now Unit Leader of the High Blood Pressure Group at HRI, and balancing the challenges of family and work, she couldn’t imagine any other career path.

“A career in research really gives you a sense of purpose and drive. While it can be a long and difficult path, every day you can feel satisfied that the work you do is for the greater good. And that in itself is one of the most rewarding experiences,” says Richard Tan, PhD candidate with the Applied Materials Group at HRI.

The Heart Research Institute is behind the invention of an innovative bio-material patch that can be loaded with a patient’s stem cells to help breathe life into dead tissue following a stroke or heart attack, dramatically improving a patient’s chance of full recovery.

Breakthrough findings on the biological functions and translational importance of plasminogen activation and extracellular proteolysis – key molecules and chemical pathways in a vast number of biological processes – were presented at the recent Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis Gordon Research Seminar.