Posted 4 August 2026
Dr Jarmon Lees, Head of SVI’s Cardiometabolic Disease Lab, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award.
Presented by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, the awards recognise outstanding early-career researchers who combine excellence in scientific research with a commitment to engaging the community.
At SVI, Jarmon develops human “mini-hearts” using stem cells to better understand heart disease and accelerate the development of new treatments.
His research focuses on conditions including Friedreich ataxia, diabetic heart disease and the complex relationship between the heart and kidneys, with the aim of translating discoveries into therapies that improve patients’ lives.
“My goal is simple: turn what we discover in the lab into treatments that reach patients faster,” said Jarmon.
“This award is a wonderful recognition of our team’s research to better understand cardiovascular disease. Just as importantly, it highlights the value of sharing that research with the patients and communities we hope will ultimately benefit from it.”
Beyond the laboratory, Jarmon is passionate about making science accessible. He regularly engages with the Friedreich ataxia community and co-convenes Stem Cell Conversations, a national seminar series that supports science communication and early-career researchers.
The recognition reflects his commitment to advancing new treatments for heart disease while inspiring and engaging the communities his research serves.
Cardiometabolic Disease
We study how metabolic and genetic diseases damage the heart and kidneys, using human stem cell-derived models to find better treatments.
Lab head: Dr Jarmon Lees