Twelve million for knowledge exchange between the US and Europe on heart failure

The scientists involved, representing six different countries, aim to increase our understanding of the mechanism that causes heart failure in order to develop a targeted treatment therapy.

The grant has been awarded by the Fondation Leducq (Leducq Foundation), which funds international, transatlantic research aimed at developing treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

‘Researchers worldwide are pooling their knowledge and experience by organising exchange programmes, sharing data and learning from the differences in research methods between European and American institutes. The ultimate aim is to develop new treatments for heart failure,’ says Marc Vos, Professor of Physiology at UMC Utrecht. Professor Vos’ department is involved in both projects. The other participants include Leon de Windt (UMC Utrecht Cardiopulmonary Unit), Edwin Cuppen (Hubrecht Institute and Utrecht University) and Albert Heck (Utrecht University).

This award also reinforces the joint initiatives on the Utrecht campus in the field of cardiovascular diseases, which is one of Utrecht University’s focus areas.

Research centres in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the US and the Netherlands are participating in this joint venture.