Keynote speakers
Dirk Duncker, MD-PhD (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam)
Dirk Duncker is a prominent researcher and medical professional at the Erasmus MC. With a deep passion for cardiovascular physiology, he has dedicated his career to understanding the intricacies of the human heart and its diseases. Graduating with honors in medicine and earning a Ph.D. in Physiology, Duncker has made groundbreaking contributions to the field through his innovative research on myocardial metabolism, coronary circulation, and exercise physiology. His work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also translated into practical applications, improving patient care and treatment strategies.
Triantafyllos Chavakis (Uniklinikum Dresden)
Triantafyllos Chavakis is a distinguished academic and accomplished researcher at the Uniklinikum Dresden. With a profound focus on advancing the knowledge and therapeutic strategies in the realms of vascular diseases and immunology, Dr. Chavakis has made seminal contributions to the field of medical science. His scholarly pursuits primarily revolve around the intricate interplay between inflammation, metabolism, and cardiovascular pathophysiology. Renowned for his expertise and innovative methodologies, Dr. Chavakis has authored numerous influential publications that elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses and cardiovascular events.
Invited speakers
Iris Bibli (University of Frankfurth)
aIris Bibli is an accomplished researcher affiliated with the University of Frankfurt in Germany, specializing in the field of metabolism. With a profound focus on understanding the intricate metabolic processes in the human body, Bibli has made notable contributions to the field of metabolic research. Her research primarily revolves around investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in energy metabolism, nutrient sensing, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Through her innovative approaches and findings, Bibli aims to unravel the complexities of metabolic regulation, paving the way for advancements in personalized medicine and therapeutic interventions for metabolic diseases.
Isabella Brunet (INSERM Paris)
Isabelle Brunet is a distinguished researcher affiliated with INSERM in Paris, France, specializing in the field of neurovascular research. With a profound focus on understanding the intricate relationship between the nervous system and blood vessels, Brunet has made notable contributions to the field of neurovascular biology. Her research primarily revolves around investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying neurovascular interactions, cerebral blood flow regulation, and the impact of vascular dysfunction on neurological disorders. Through her innovative approaches and findings, Brunet aims to advance our understanding of neurovascular processes, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for neurovascular-related conditions.
Martin Dichgans (LMU Munich)
Martin Dichgans is an esteemed researcher affiliated with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) in Germany, specializing in the field of neurovascular research. With a profound focus on the intersection of neurology and vascular biology, Dichgans has made remarkable contributions to understanding the complex interplay between the nervous system and blood vessels. His research primarily revolves around investigating the pathogenesis and mechanisms underlying neurovascular diseases, such as stroke and cerebral small vessel disease. Through his innovative approaches and findings, Dichgans aims to advance our knowledge of neurovascular disorders, leading to improved diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic interventions in the field of neurology.
Paul Evans (Sheffield University)
Paul Evans is a distinguished researcher based at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, specializing in the field of mechanotransduction. With a profound focus on understanding how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces, Evans has made significant contributions to the field of biomechanics and tissue engineering. His research primarily revolves around investigating the molecular mechanisms that underlie mechanosensitive pathways and their impact on cellular behavior and tissue development.
Amanda Foks (LACDR, Leiden University)
Amanda Foks is a prominent researcher affiliated with Leiden University in the Netherlands. With expertise in the field of immunology and cardiovascular disease, Foks has made notable contributions to understanding the role of the immune system in atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation. Her research primarily focuses on immune cell interactions, immune-mediated vascular damage, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases.
Kim van der Heiden (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam)
Kim van der Heiden is an accomplished researcher affiliated with Erasmus MC. With expertise in the field of vascular biology, van der Heiden has made notable contributions to understanding the development and function of blood vessels. Her research primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing vascular morphogenesis and angiogenesis, aiming to unravel the fundamental processes underlying vascular diseases and potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.
Jan Luuk Hillebrands (UMCG, Groningen)
Jan-Luuk Hillebrands is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. With expertise in the fields of nephrology, immunology, and vascular biology, Hillebrands has made significant contributions to the understanding of macrovascular disease. His research focuses on the mechanisms underlying both kidney diseases and macrovascular complications, such as atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling. By investigating the intricate interplay between immune-mediated kidney injury and macrovascular disease, Hillebrands aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies for the prevention and treatment of these complex conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes
Guido de Meyer (University of Antwerp)
Guido De Meyer is a distinguished researcher associated with the University of Antwerp, focusing on the intertwined topics of inflammation and aging. With expertise in cardiovascular biology and immunology, De Meyer has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms connecting these processes. His research primarily centers on investigating how chronic inflammation contributes to the aging process and age-related diseases, particularly in the context of cardiovascular disorders. By unraveling these complex interactions, De Meyer aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies for promoting healthy aging and mitigating inflammation-related disorders in older adults.
Bart Loeys (University of Antwerp)
Bart Loeys is a distinguished researcher associated with the University of Antwerp in Belgium. His expertise lies in the field of medical genetics, particularly in the study of rare connective tissue disorders. Loeys has made significant contributions to unraveling the genetic and molecular basis of conditions such as Marfan syndrome and related disorders. His work has greatly enhanced the understanding and diagnosis of these conditions, leading to improved patient care and management.
Daniele Panáková (UKSH Kiel)
Bart Loeys is a distinguished researcher associated with the University of Antwerp in Belgium. His expertise lies in the field of medical genetics, particularly in the study of rare connective tissue disorders. Loeys has made significant contributions to unraveling the genetic and molecular basis of conditions such as Marfan syndrome and related disorders. His work has greatly enhanced the understanding and diagnosis of these conditions, leading to improved patient care and management.
Catherine Robin (Hubrecht Institute Utrecht)
Catherine Robin is a prominent researcher based at the Hubrecht Institute. With a focus on developmental biology and stem cell research, Robin has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms that shape embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Her expertise lies in the field of cell fate determination and the role of signaling pathways in tissue patterning. (link personal site:
Hester den Ruijter (Utrecht UMC)
Hester den Ruijter is a prominent researcher based at the UMC Utrecht. With a focus on cardiovascular biology, den Ruijter has made significant contributions to the understanding of atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. Her research primarily revolves around sex differences in cardiovascular disease, with a particular emphasis on identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Massino Santoro (University of Padua, Italy)
Hester den Ruijter is a prominent researcher based at the UMC Utrecht. With a focus on cardiovascular biology, den Ruijter has made significant contributions to the understanding of atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. Her research primarily revolves around sex differences in cardiovascular disease, with a particular emphasis on identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Vivian de Waard, Amsterdam UMC)
Vivian de Waard is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands. With expertise in the fields of pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and Marfan syndrome, de Waard has made significant contributions to personalized medicine and the understanding of this connective tissue disorder. Her research primarily focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of Marfan syndrome, pharmacogenetics, and optimizing medication use in individuals with Marfan syndrome. Through her work, de Waard aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance medication safety, and advance personalized treatment strategies for individuals affected by Marfan syndrome.