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The inaugural award is named after the high-profile sports journalist Peter 'Chippy' Frilingos, who died of a heart attack in May last year.

Dr Brett Garner, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Vascular Research at UNSW, was honoured at a ceremony this week, attended by Mr Frilingos' family and colleagues.

Mr Frilingos' widow, Maureen, selected Dr Garner's work for recognition from a group short-listed by the Heart Foundation. The research involves developing drugs that promote cholesterol removal from arteries.

"It's great to get this sort of recognition as a researcher," said Dr Garner. "But most importantly, it helps raise awareness about heart disease amongst the broader community."

The Heart Foundation, Radio 2GB and The Daily Telegraph raised $70,000 in an appeal in commemoration of Peter Frilingos. The money represents a significant contribution to Heart Foundation funds which are used to support research into the causes and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and related disorders.