Dr. Mary Kavurma is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. She is also the Group Leader of the Vascular Complications Group and the Associate Director of Research and Education at the Heart Research Institute. Mary received her PhD degree in 2003 from the Centre for Vascular Research, and in 2004 moved to the UK as an NHMRC CJ Martin Fellow at Cambridge University, returning in 2007. During her time back in Sydney, she established her independent research, joining the Heart Research Institute as Head of the Vascular Complications Group in 2013. Mary’s research interests are focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms in molecular and cellular biology leading to intimal thickening, atherosclerosis, and its complications. She has held numerous Fellowships (NHMRC, HF, and UNSW) and Project grants (NHMRC, HF). Mary has an active interest in promoting medical research to the lay community. Her achievements in scientific research, communication, and community engagement were acknowledged with a Young Tall Poppy Science Award.