University of Western Australia cardiologist Professor Girish Dwivedi has been named Researcher of the Year at the 2026 South Metropolitan Health Service Excellence Awards, recognising his work in cardiovascular science, translational research and artificial intelligence-driven cardiac imaging.
Professor Dwivedi, from UWA Medical School and based at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, is also a consultant cardiologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital. UWA said the award recognised his contribution to improving care for people living with complex and long-term conditions.
South Metropolitan Health Service said Professor Dwivedi’s work had strengthened patient-centred care through leadership, collaboration and innovation. The SMHS Excellence Awards recognise staff and teams who contribute to better patient and community outcomes across the health service.
Professor Dwivedi’s research focuses on cardiovascular disease, advanced imaging, AI in cardiology and the translation of research into clinical practice. His UWA research profile says he has helped establish one of Australia’s most productive AI-cardiology research hubs in collaboration with UWA’s Department of Computer Science, producing more than 50 publications across cardiology and computer science journals.
His broader research output includes more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, with work spanning cardiometabolic disease, cardiac imaging, artificial intelligence, prevention and clinical care. The Raine Study profile also notes he has secured more than $33 million in grant funding and is involved in several major cardiovascular research programs.
The recognition comes amid growing attention on the use of AI to improve heart disease detection and prevention. In 2024, researchers led by Professor Dwivedi secured a nearly $3 million Medical Research Future Fund grant to establish a national database of coronary CT angiography images and train an AI tool to identify patients at risk of heart attacks before symptoms appear.
UWA researchers working with medtech partner Artrya have also developed an automated AI algorithm designed to improve prediction of heart attack risk by analysing coronary plaque more precisely than existing methods. Professor Dwivedi, senior author on the work, said accurate risk prediction was vital because prevention remained the best approach to heart disease.
Professor Dwivedi said he was humbled by the award and credited the achievement to those around him.
“I am truly humbled and share this award with my students, trainees, collaborators, and colleagues,” he said.
“Their passion, hard work, and commitment to excellence have made this achievement possible, and I am grateful to be part of such an inspiring team.”
UWA Medical School said the award reflected not only research excellence, but also collaboration, mentorship and a shared commitment to better health outcomes.
The honour adds to Professor Dwivedi’s standing as one of Western Australia’s leading cardiovascular researchers, with his work linking hospital care, university research, industry collaboration and new technology.
His recognition also highlights the growing role of Indian-origin researchers in Australia’s medical and scientific landscape, particularly in areas where research can move from the laboratory into real-world patient care.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
