The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia have recently awarded 5 years of funding for a Centre of Research Excellence to develop an ‘endgame’ for RHD in Australia. Known as the END RHD CRE, this program brings together 20 investigators, 16 institutions and a broad range of collaborators to identify the steps and interim targets needed to end RHD in Australia.

Led by Professor Jonathan Carapetis of the Telethon Kids Institute, the END RHD CRE provides an opportunity to unify the outcomes of existing research, support PhD students, explore novel approaches to disease control, engage people living with the disease and embed existing research outcomes in health systems. The END RHD CRE will function as a virtual centre, providing opportunities for individuals and institutions throughout Australia to contribute through a single point of entry. RHDAustralia will continue their leadership as the Translation Partner of the END RHD CRE.

An investigator meeting was held in February and a formal launch of the centre is planned for the middle of 2015. Enquires about the END RHD CRE can be directed to END.RHD.CRE.SMB(AT)telethonkids.org.au