Join our introductory, interdisciplinary, and interactive course on Basic Cardiometabolic Research this October!

After the course, the PhD students will have a basic understanding of metabolism and cardiovascular function, as well as the pathophysiology of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The PhD students will also learn about the complications and interactions of these groups of diseases at the molecular level, and understand how diets and exercise are involved in developing, preventing, and managing cardiometabolic diseases.

During the course, you will get the opportunity to meet and network with fellow students as well as senior scientists working within different fields of diabetes and cardiovascular research.

This PhD course is jointly organised by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) and the Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DCA).

Description

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) and Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DCA) invite PhD students to participate in an introductory, interactive and interdisciplinary course focusing on the fundamentals of basic metabolism and cardiovascular function, as well as the pathophysiology of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and their complications at the molecular level.

This course is an immersive 3.5 day event, designed for 32 late state master students through second year PhD students, who will convene to discuss with senior researchers the molecular mechanisms involved in developing diabetes, endocrine and cardiovascular disease.

The course provides a solid foundation in basic metabolism and cardiovascular physiology, as well as the pathophysiology of related diseases and their complications. From day one, you will dive into the core principles of metabolic regulation and heart function, and gain broader insight from a keynote speaker offering a global perspective on cardiometabolic health.

As the course progresses, we will build on this foundation, by exploring the powerful links between cardiometabolic health, diet and physical activity by delving into the following topics:

• Fundamentals of diet and nutrient metabolism
• Organ cross talk:
  • Liver & Muscle
  • Gut & Heart
  • Adipose Tissue & the Brain
• Exercise physiology
• Brain and diet: Food sensing and food cravings

In addition to lectures and discussions with leading researchers and people with lived experiences, you will engage in group work, hands-on exercises with various methodologies, and a research-based challenge designed to apply your learning.

Throughout the course, time is dedicated to informally meet with the speakers and organisers, get to know your fellow students’ research areas, network and have fun with peers and senior scientists from Denmark and abroad in an informal, relaxed and beautiful setting.

Programme

View the preliminary programme here.

Confirmed speakers and workshop instructors

• Daniel Borch Ibsen, Associate Professor, Aarhus University (DK)
• Gretchen Repasky, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DK)
• Lasse Gliemann, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen (DK)
• Nils Færgeman, Professor, University of Southern Denmark (DK)
• Philipp Scherer, Professor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)

Organisers

This PhD course is jointly organised by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) and the Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DCA) in collaboration with the organising committee consisting of:

• Andreas Buch Møller, Scientific Partnerships Manager, Arla Foods (DK)
• Anniek Lubberding, Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen (DK)
• Joanna Kalucka, Associate Professor, Aarhus University (DK)
• Morten Asp Vonsild Lund, MD PhD Student, University of Copenhagen (DK)
• Nils Færgeman, Professor, University of Southern Denmark (DK)
• Thomas Jespersen, Professor, University of Copenhagen & Executive Managing Director, Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DK)

Target group

This course is intended for late state master students through second year PhD students interested in integrative cardiometabolic research areas, as well as molecular metabolism, diabetes, endocrinology and cardiology. Basic, translational and clinical researchers are included in the scope.

Participants will be selected based on a motivation statement submitted through the registration form, with clear and relevant motivation as the primary criterion. If possible, we aim to ensure diversity within the group, considering factors such as research focus, gender, and geography.

Please note that you are not guaranteed a seat at the event if you do not meet the target group requirements. Priority is given to participants employed at Danish research and health institutions or in the life science industry. Early career researchers from abroad are welcome to apply. If the event is overbooked, the DDEA reserves its right to select participants based on the defined requirements.

Accommodation & meals

Since networking is an important aspect of the course all participants are expected to stay at the venue from 20-23 October 2025.

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy and the Danish Cardiovascular Academy will cover the cost of overnight accommodation and meals from 12:00 on 20 October to 23 October 2025.

Certification

A course certificate of attendance and participation can be issued upon request at the end of the course. Full participation in the course is required to receive the certificate. Apply to your PhD school for ECTS credits with the certificate and course programme.

Latest cancellation date & no-show fee

Please note that it is free of charge to participate in the event however the DDEA will charge a no-show fee of 1000 DKK if you do not show up and have not unregistered from the event by 1 October 2025.