Due to unavailable records, the details of the first 20 years of the society are incomplete and are based on memories of some founding and other senior members (now retired) in impromptu conversations. For anyone with additional details, particularly about early members, conferences and locations, etc., please contact me to update this document to be passed on to future members.

FOUNDED circa 1977:

Within 12 months after having attended the 1976 ISHR World Congress held in Japan, Prof. Mark L.Wahlqvist started a local section of the ISHR in order to represent and bring together cardiovascular researchers in this region of the world. At this time Dr. Wahlqvist, formerly of the Karolinska Institute in Uppsala, was at the Dept. Medical Sciences, Australian National University and then Prince Henry's Hospital. The major research interest of many members at that time was in cardiac metabolism. Today cardiovascular research invokes expertise from multiple disciplines and technologies. This is reflected in ISHR's members from the fields of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, biophysics, molecular biology, vascular biology, pathology, cardiology and cardiac surgery.

Founding Committee Members:

Prof. Mark L.Wahlqvist, Prof Winifred Nayler (University of Melbourne), Prof. John Williams, (Australian National University); Prof. Michael Clarke, (CSIRO, Adelaide/Univ Tasmania); Prof. Colin Gibbs, (Monash University); Prof. Ted Nye (University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand); Prof. Sir John Scott (Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand). 

1977-1982
President: Prof. Mark L.Wahlqvist (Australian National University/Monash University)
Secretary & Treasurer: Prof. John Williams (Australian National University)

1982-1986
President: Prof. Winifred G. Nayler (University of Melbourne)
Secretary & Treasurer: Prof. Michael Clarke (University of Tasmania) 

1986 ISHR WORLD CONGRESS 
At Melbourne University- organised by Prof. Winifred G. Nayler and Prof. Michael Clarke.

1986-1989
International President of ISHR: Prof. Winifred Nayler succeeded Dr. Howard Morgan (USA).

1986-1990
President: Prof. Winifred Nayler (University of Melbourne)
Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Peter L. McLennan (CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition)

1990-1992
President: Dr. Franklin L. Rosenfeldt (Baker Medical Research Institute)
Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Michael J. Daly (Austin & Repatriation Hospital)

1992
Winifred Nayler Retires: Winifred Nayler Valedictory Meeting (ISHR Annual Scientific Meeting), Donvale, Victoria.

1992-1994
President: Prof. John Gavin (University of Auckland)
2 terms as elected World Council Representative (1992-1998).
Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Michael J. Daly (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer)

1994-1996
President: Prof. John Gavin (University of Auckland)
Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Lindsay Brown (University of Queensland)

1996-1997
President: Dr. Lindsay Brown (University of Queensland)
Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Tom Cocks (University of Melbourne)

1997-2003
President: Dr. Lindsay Brown (University of Queensland)
Secretary: Dr. Salvatore Pepe (Baker Medical Research Institute)
Treasurer: Dr. Franklin L. Rosenfeldt (Baker Medical Research Institute)

1998
Australasian Section wins bid to host 2004 ISHR World Congress in Brisbane
Dr Peter McLennan elected to ISHR World Council, served 2 terms (1998-2004).

2000
Prof John Gavin retires & is awarded Life Honorary Membership
Prof Mark Wahlqvist founding president -Keynote dinner address.

2001
Host to IUPS World Congress Satellite, Models in Cardiovascular Research
Dr. Lindsay Brown appointed to ISHR World Council (2001-2004) as section representative.

2002
Founding participants in the first Australian Health & Medical Research Congress
Prof Colin Gibbs (Monash University) retires & is awarded Life Honorary Membership

2003
Elections held 
President (extended to 2004): Dr. Lindsay Brown (University of Queensland)
President-elect: Dr. Salvatore Pepe (Baker Medical Research Institute)
Secretary: Dr. Lea Delbridge (University of Melbourne)
Treasurer: Dr. Xiao-Jun Du (Baker Medical Research Institute)

2004
President: Dr. Salvatore Pepe {2004-2007}
Secretary: Dr. Lea Delbridge {2004-2007}
Treasurer: Dr. Xiao-Jun Du {2004-2007}

Dr Salvatore Pepe elected to ISHR World Council (2004-2007).
Dr. Lea Delbridge appointed to ISHR World Council (2001-2004) as section representative.

ISHR World Congress held in Brisbane
ISHR World Congress Satellite meeting "Aging Heart & Vessels" held in Melbourne.