Vascular Biology is a powerful, multidisciplinary scientific field concerned with understanding the biology and pathology of blood vessels. Its biggest challenge is to find new treatments for heart disease and cancer, the two most prevalent diseases in Europe.

In cancer the ability of tumours (arrows in the image up right) to attract new blood vessels allows them to survive and grow.

In heart disease the situation is somewhat the reverse; when large arteries are blocked (image at down right) there is insufficient blood flow to nourish the heart cells, which become dysfunctional and die.

Defective blood vessels are also implicated in other diseases such as blindness, kidney diseases and diabetes. While all medical discoveries rely on the inspiration of individuals, vascular biology research is too complex and costly to carry on without collaborations.

Through Networks Of Excellence vascular biologists can combine to harness knowledge about one disease to find solutions for the others. With the help of European Community funding in particular, we have the opportunity to marshal huge financial and intellectual resources from all across Europe.