“I have been looking forward to participate in this course and become a part of the academy.”

These were the words from Freja Bach Kampmann, who joined the introduction course exclusively for grant recipients on the 11^th – 12^th of March. The course served as an introduction to being a part of the Danish Cardiovascular Academy and also as a possibility for the grant recipients to meet.

“You need to network as it will strengthen you. It is no good to do your research in isolation,” Professor Tony Heagerty, Manchester University.

was the advice from a very experienced researcher, namely Professor Tony Heagerty from Manchester University, who is also former President of the European Society of Hypertension. He opened the course with a talk on his research into small blood vessels and the consequences of fat and inflammation in terms of hypertension.

Participants presented their projects to each other

After the first talk, the grant recipients introduced their projects to each other.

“It is exciting to meet people with whom you share interests and to be acquainted with their projects, which are all very different although within our common area of interest – namely the cardiovascular field,” says Nicolai Bjødstrup Palmstrøm, PhD student, University of Southern Denmark.

A workshop on how to use vocabulary and body language to deliver a strong oral presentation offered inspiration for participant’s future presentations.

Mentoring circles were established

Establishing a network between the grant recipients was also among the aims of the introduction course. Thus, mentoring circles were created and the young researchers were all placed in mentoring groups providing them a room for networking during their project period.

“I am happy to be part of this community including mentoring circles. I look forward to meetings with the other fellows and to follow their projects, which are all very ambitious,” says Christoffer Polcwiartek, postdoctoral fellow, Aalborg University Hospital.

Grant recipients were appointed as science ambassadors

All grant recipients were appointed as science ambassadors by CEO of the Danish Heart Foundation, Anne Kaltoft and Executive Managing Director of Danish Cardiovascular Academy, Christian Aalkjær, giving them both the honour and the task to disseminate knowledge on cardiovascular research.

“It is essential that you are able to present your project results in a convincing manner. The Danish Cardiovascular Academy represents a platform, which I can reach out to for assistance in growing as a researcher by virtue of the network, and through courses in presentation technique, which they provide. I feel fortunate that I have been given this opportunity,” says Freja Bach Kampmann, postdoctoral fellow, Bispebjerg and Frederiksbjerg Hospital.

All grant recipients of the Danish Cardiovascular Academy will be invited to an introduction course.