Molecular Pharmacology : Dr Rebecca

This year marks the 80 anniversary of the founding of the Baker Heart Research Institute at the Alfred Hospital campus in Prahran, Melbourne. The Baker Institute, named after its benefactors Thomas and Alice Baker, originally focused on providing medical pathology services to the Alfred Hospital and in 1938 commenced its focus on physiology and experimental medicine. In 1975, with the appointment of Professor Paul Korner as Director, the Baker's focus became solely cardiovascular, and it received national and international recognition for its leadership on research into hypertension and heart disease. In 2001, the Baker moved to a new 8 level premises, striking for its Piet Mondrian-inspired exterior colour scheme and four-level atrium. Built as part of the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct opposite Fawkner park, this new site provides one the finest research facilities of its kind in Australia with six specialised laboratory floors, a state-of-the-art DNA sequencing service, and a “Ramaciotti Foundation” funded Proteomics facility. There are also two floors for biotechnology companies and a close connection to the Alfred Baker Medical Unit and Heart Centre, which are located within the Alfred Hospital. In 2001, Professor Garry Jennings became Director of the Institute after being Deputy Director and head of the Alfred’s Heart Centre. The Institute now consists of over 250 staff and students organised into four major divisions which are; the Experimental Cardiology and Heart Failure Division headed by David Kaye, the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Division headed by newly arrived from Germany, Dr. Karheinz Peter, the JDRF Diabetes & Metabolism Division headed by Professor Mark Cooper and the Cardiovascular Neurosciences Division headed by Professor Murray Esler. This newsletter is Part 1 from the Baker Institute and comprises some of the research areas related to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.