Dutch cardiovascular researchers are globally recognized for their excellence. Over the past decade, existing public-private partnerships have proven highly successful. Building on this strong foundation, we support breakthrough science through consortia that lay the groundwork for innovative cardiovascular solutions. Our goal is to support research programs that effectively reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Our partners closely collaborate to minimize hurdles in getting research started, creating the optimal conditions for achieving impactful outcomes.
This working group comes together every 3-4 months to discuss ongoing issues and new collaborations. Partners represented in this working group are: 4TU.Health, Hartstichting, HartVaatHAG, NLHI, Nierstichting, NNW, NVHVV, NVIVG, NVvC, NVT, NVvR, NVvV, VKGN, WCN
This working group comes together every 6 months to discuss funding opportunities and common topics in research funding. Partners represented in this working group are: Hartstichting, Nierstichting, Stichting Hartekind, NWO, ZonMw, Health~Holland. The working group is chaired by Rebecca Abma-Schouten.
Activities of the pillar
An important way to achieve our shared ambition is by promoting cooperation in the cardiovascular field and joining forces. One way to do this is by identifying opportunities in research policy and funding and jointly exploiting them and resolving any bottlenecks. To establish this kind of cooperation, the DCVA has experimented with various ways to stimulate research collaboration, including by guiding so-called "explorations".
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Research can be based on knowledge gaps ("kennishiaten"), which focus on evaluating and optimizing current healthcare practices, rather than developing new solutions. In 2022, the DCVA took intitiative to combine the knowledge agendas from its partner in a report.
Other methods to prioritize research are by the recently updated "Nationale Hart en Vaatagenda" by the Dutch Heart Foundation, the Cardiovascular (Biomedical) Technology Research Agenda
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The DCVA supports research that contributes to our collaborative aim: to reduce the cardiovascular disease burden by 25% in 2030. It can be challenging to obtain funding for new research. The DCVA can provide as a guide to find funding that is fitting for the research, as the DCVA has insight into funding routes and can, at an early stage, put the subject on the agenda and discuss it with various research funders in the working group Funders. Please reach out to us if this would be interesting for your idea!
In order to maximize chances of receiving funding for new cardiovascular research, the DCVA can write a letter of support.
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The DCVA encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration between consortia and between partners of the DCVA by organizing network meetings ("onderzoeksleidersbijeenkomsten") for the research leaders of consortia supported by the DCVA. These meetings, which occur twice a year, facilitate the consortia to meet, connect and learn from each other. Impression of themes dicussed during these meetings: consortium formation and funding, interpretation of talent policy, joint spending of talent budget.
In addition, together with the Netherlands Heart Institute the DCVA organizes a yearly congress. Learn more about the last congres by clicking the link below!
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Hester den Ruijter is a distinguished researcher specializing in cardiovascular health and disease. She currently holds the position of Chair of the Pillar Research Policy at the DCVA. Her expertise lies in advancing our understanding of cardiovascular conditions and developing impactful research and policy strategies. Hester den Ruijter's leadership plays a crucial role in shaping cardiovascular research agendas and policies to address key challenges in this field.