Lay summary
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Aotearoa New Zealand, with many deaths being preventable and premature. This Programme will develop new AI tools for uncovering key biomechanical mechanisms governing heart function, to aid ongoing efforts in the search for new cardiac indices for earlier detection of disease and better targeting of treatment. We will: (1) develop novel cardiac assessment methods by personalising computational models using routine clinical measurements; (2) leverage MRI exams to develop advanced image-based biomarkers for early detection, stratification, and monitoring of cardiac disease progression; and (3) optimise clinical echocardiography workflows, enhance the diagnostic and prognostic value of imaging, and facilitate the clinical translation of our proposed innovations. The advancements from this Programme will provide unique tools for the assessment of heart health in a personalised, non-invasive, and widely accessible manner, enhancing the expectancy and quality of life for all New Zealanders.