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EVGN objectives
| 1. The EVGN will network and structure the field of vascular biology.
Key
technological elements required to meet the post-genome challenge
include genomics, proteomics, cell biology, mouse transgenesis, animal
models of disease and integrative (patho)physiology in man. Despite
having world-leading groups in these research areas, Europe lacks
sufficient expertise in any one centre and there is no
single trans-national organisation that undertakes these activities in
an integrated manner. EVGN gathers together a critical mass of
researchers and creates multidisciplinary interactions by promoting
exchange of ideas, expertise and people between the participating
centres of excellence. EVGN structures and facilitates the exchange of tissue samples, animal models, databases, tools for intervention, and scientific knowledge. EVGN is also responsible for improvement of necessary infrastructures (genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, tissue banks, transgenic facilities) within the network for the benefit of all members. EVGN is active in promoting standardisation of animal models and techniques (A Handbook of Mouse Models of Cardiovascular Disease; Q. Xu, editor). The Network also facilitates the cooperation between EVGN partners, to be achieved through support of the exchange and training of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and Established Investigators (sabbatical), and by coordination of a defined educational programme. 2. The EVGN will act as an interface between basic scientists and clinician scientists to promote and accelerate the transition of knowledge in vascular biology and to improve diagnosis and treatment of atherothrombotic diseases. The evaluation of the relevance and the potential application of novel basic research findings in patients will require strong partnerships with clinician scientists. By networking excellent basic scientists in one centre with academically-minded clinicians in others throughout Europe, EVGN expedites clinical evaluation of new pharmaco-, gene- and cell-therapy interventions. Through its conferencing and outreach activitites, EVGN also accelerates access of clinicians to the latest findings, emerging basic science concepts and novel therapeutic strategies. The overall effect will be to improve the clinical outcome for patients with vascular disease. EVGN participants include cardiology departments with outstanding expertise and established track records in clinical research of endothelial dysfunction. Other participants are at the forefront of efforts to develop new tools for diagnosis and prevention of plaque instability. EVGN partners have also pioneered the use of therapeutic angiogenesis in atherosclerotic patients. 3. The EVGN will provide enriched and continued education in vascular biology. clinicians is also supported, to broaden their perspective and strengthen collaboration. This improves their continuing professional development and facilitates technology transfer between the participating centres. Senior researchers from EVGN will visit other universities / institutes of the network to allow exchange of novel concepts, experimental methods and techniques. 4.
The EVGN will jointly manage, disseminate and promote exploitation of
the knowledge generated and accumulated within the network. |
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