SVI expands with two new research laboratories

SVI is excited to announce the launch of two new laboratories, further strengthening the Institute’s research capacity through new expertise in cardiometabolic disease, DNA repair and cancer biology.

The Cardiometabolic Disease Lab will be led by Dr Jarmon Lees, advancing knowledge of cardiorenal syndrome and metabolic disorders. The Cell Signalling and Cancer Lab will be led by Dr Rebecca Smith, whose research will broaden understanding of DNA repair and cell signalling in cancer.

By revealing how these diseases progress at a cellular level, their work will help build the knowledge needed to guide future therapeutic discoveries.

Cardiometabolic Disease Lab

Dr Jarmon Lees will lead the Cardiometabolic Disease Lab, investigating how metabolic and genetic diseases affect the heart and kidneys, using human stem cell-derived models to find better treatments. In cardiometabolic disease, the team is modelling how metabolic stress drives dysfunction, with a particular focus on diabetes.

The team is also studying Friedreich ataxia, a rare inherited condition that can cause severe heart disease, using patient-derived heart cells to explore potential new therapies.

By uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive cardiometabolic disease, the lab aims to identify new opportunities for more effective treatments.

Cell Signalling and Cancer Lab

SVI is also delighted to welcome Dr Rebecca Smith as Head of the new Cell Signalling and Cancer Lab. Joining SVI from the University of Oxford, Rebecca brings international expertise in DNA repair and cell signalling.

Her research focuses on understanding how cells respond to DNA damage and why some cancers become resistant to treatment. By studying these fundamental processes, her team hopes to uncover new ways to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies, including PARP inhibitors.

Originally from New Zealand, Dr Smith has trained at leading research institutions across New Zealand, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, and joins SVI as the recipient of a Victorian Cancer Research Fellowship.