24 February 2026
Institute news
One of Australia’s most distinguished cardiovascular scientists, a pioneer in global heart research and one of our most prolific and innovative scientists in our 100-year history, Professor Winifred G. "Gwen" Nayler has passed away at the age of 95 in the United Kingdom.
A world authority on cardiac muscle biology, Professor Nayler's 40-year research career advanced our understanding of the metabolism of the heart muscle, especially the role of calcium and many drugs, on heart muscle function.
Her pioneering work on medications, including beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists and calcium channel blockers, revolutionised the clinical management of high blood pressure and angina. Her contributions were so significant that she was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Professor Nayler began her career at the Baker Medical Research Institute in 1955, where she received the David Symes Research Medal in 1962 for the best original research in biology, physics, chemistry or geology in Australia. She became Associate Director at age 36, a remarkable achievement in a male-dominated field.
After leaving the Baker Institute in 1972, she held the Chair of Cardiac Metabolism at the Cardiothoracic Institute, University of London (1973–1980), before returning to Australia to lead heart research at the Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne (1980–1994).
Her legacy extends far beyond her 450+ research publications. Professor Nayler mentored generations of prominent cardiologists and cardiovascular scientists who became leaders in their fields. Recognised internationally as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology, she was elected the first female President of the International Society for Heart Research (1986–1989). She was instrumental in establishing the Australia and New Zealand ISHR Section in 1976 and served as its President from 1982–1990, organising the landmark 1986 ISHR World Congress in Melbourne.
In 2024 The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) renamed the Basic Cardiovascular Science Lecture, the ‘W.G. Nayler Lecture’, which is a major award lecture presented at each annual scientific meeting of CSANZ.
Professor Nayler’s life exemplifies scientific excellence and pioneering leadership. To honour her legacy, an award is presented each year at the Baker Institute to an outstanding early-career scientist.
