Thomas Baker Oration 2026

Thomas Baker Oration - 13 May 2026

Speaker Professor John Greenwood, Cardiologist, Director/CEO Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne

Topic 'Mending a ‘broken’ heart'

Time 12.30 for 12.50-2.00pm

Venue Level 1 Fitzroy Dining Room, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins (note in person only event)

Price $70 (2course lunch)

The Oration looks to commemorate Thomas Baker, Philanthropist and our 9th President by showcasing Australians who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the fields of medicine/science/technology/industry and philanthropy. His legacy as an entrepreneurial industrialist with a concern for humanity has been emulated through many distinguished Australians.

We are delighted to have as this year' speaker, Professor John Greenwood, internationally esteemed cardiologist and CEO Baker Heart Institute Melbourne celebrating the centenary of the Baker Heart Institute.

Professor John Greenwood MBChB, PhD, FAHMS, FRACP, FACC, FESC, FSCMR, sFBCS(Hon), FICS(Hon), is a cardiologist (coronary intervention and cardiovascular imaging) and Director/CEO of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. He is adjunct Professor of Cardiology at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. He is also a Consultant Cardiologist at the Alfred Hospital. His primary research focus has been improving the diagnosis and treatment of stable and unstable coronary artery disease.

John will speak about the 'Institute's' 100 years of groundbreaking discoveries and share the next chapter of bold plans to transform the care they provide for patients with heart attack and heart failure.

One in four Australians die of heart and circulatory disease. Professor Greenwood will take us behind the scenes to highlight the different ways that the Baker Institute, are trying to mend a failing heart and restore function after a heart attack. He will speak about the teams harnessing mRNA technology — the same innovation behind COVID vaccines — to develop a vaccine to prevent heart attacks ever occurring! These are not far-flung ideas, they could soon be our reality.

Join us as our City's important academics and scientists gather for the 2026 Thomas Baker Oration