The objective of INTRICARE is to train a new generation of scientist that will be excellently skilled to expedite our understanding of vulnerable plaque formation, with a particular focus on microcalcification, and to develop innovative solutions for the early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis.

The duration of the program is 48 months, consisting of 15 ESR projects of 36 months each. The INTRICARE programme will start as from March 1, 2017. Interested applicants are invited to apply via the vacancy form on this website

Projects

PROJECT 1

A failing resolution of inflammation in increased plaque instability: cause or consequence of microcalcifications?

PROJECT 2

Contribution of calcium crystals to non-canonical inflammatory protein secretion in platelets and endothelial cells.

PROJECT 3

Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching.

PROJECT 4

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)– a clinical model of premature vascular ageing.

PROJECT 5

Characterisation of the recently identified “Calcification blocking factor” (CBF) and isolation of unknown mediators inhibiting calcification processes.

PROJECT 6

The role of GLP-1 in the development of diabetic intimal and medial calcification.

PROJECT 7

Vascular remodeling: Identification and characterization of novel vSMCs markers relevant to vascular remodeling.

PROJECT 8

Dissecting the cross-interaction between vascular micro-calcification and inflammation: a human systems biology approach.

PROJECT 9

Molecular and drug design to detect and target vascular microcalcification.

PROJECT 10

Investigation of plaque vulnerability using Hybrid PET/MR imaging of key aspects of plaque vulnerability in different vascular beds.