For cardiovascular scientists around the world London 2012
not only signifies the Olympics but also another major international event –
the second Frontiers in Cardiovascular Biology (FCVB) meeting. FCVB 2012 will
show case the best and latest science from the cardiovascular arena, giving
delegates unique insights into the future of cardiovascular medicine, and
journalists great opportunities for covering ground breaking stories “The
meeting brings together in one venue possibly the greatest concentration of
cardiovascular scientists in the world,” says Professor Sian Harding, the FCVB
2012 chairman of the Core Scientific Committee. “Delegates will find themselves
right at the cutting edge, with opportunities to learn about innovations before
theyve even started along the translational science trajectory. Therell be
lots of valuable networking possibilities for people at all stages of their
careers.”

The conference, organised by the Council on Basic
Cardiovascular Science (CBCS) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
together with eight ESC Working Groups and six European basic science
societies, builds on the success of the first FCVB meeting, held in Berlin in 2010, which
attracted over 700 delegates. With abstract submissions up 30% for FCVB 2012,
the organisers (are expecting between 800 and 1,000 delegates. “With the venue
having capacity for only 1,000 delegates were hoping that we wont be forced
to close registration early,” cautions Harding, from Imperial
College (London, UK).
“We deliberately chose the South Kensington Campus of Imperial
College in London to give a clear signal that its an
academic enterprise, projecting a strong ethos of the working scientist. All
delegates should feel really comfortable in this setting,” says Harding.

The conference, covering both cardiac and vascular science,
has been designed to be cross disciplinary. “Weve highlighted integrative
scientific work that should be of interest to both cardiac and vascular
researchers. To stimulate scientific progress its vitally important to promote
good communications between disciplines and avoid scientists becoming isolated
in their specific niches. Its an approach that helps younger researchers to
develop sustainable careers,” says Professor Axel Pries, chairman of the ESC
Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science.

Further synergy, he adds, has been created by the good mix
of basic scientists and clinicians attending the meeting, with a strong
translational component. “To allow advances to reach the bedside as quickly as
possible we need to know from the outset the questions clinicians want
answering. Equally clinicians need to understand from scientists the potential
for basic science. To achieve the best outcomes we need to foster good two-way
communications,” says Pries, from the Charité
Hospital (Berlin, Germany).

The major themes running throughout the programme include
bioimagining, degeneration and regeneration and inflammation.

• Bioimaging: In recognition of Imperial Colleges
  world class bioimaging facilities, the congress will focus on advances allowing
  new ways to image cardiac myocytes as well as atherosclerotic plaques, and the
  movement of blood and formation of clots.
• Regenerative medicine: The programme will explore advances
  in pluripotent stem cells and highlight progress towards clinical treatments.
  Sessions will consider the potential for cells taken from the skin, teeth and
  hair follicles of patients to be transformed into cardiac myocytes, and the new
  concept of “disease in a dish” that uses stem cells to test new ideas and
  drugs.
• Inflammation: Two symposia will present new insights in the
  central role of inflammation in development of atherosclerosis, emphasising the
  potential for translation into novel therapeutic strategies.

Altogether 25 symposia have been organised at FCVB 2012
across three parallel sessions, with hot topics for reporters including
genetics, vascular remodeling in ageing, therapeutic targets in calcium
handling, and mitochondria biogenesis. In the symposia, presentations from
invited speakers will be mixed with shorter talks relevant to the area,
selected from submitted abstracts, ensuring that the latest data is presented
in every field. “This format enables the inclusion of both the most recent data
and strong involvement from younger investigators wholl find themselves
speaking on the same platform as their heroes,” says Harding. “Particular
emphasis has been placed on participation from young investigators because
theyre the people whore continually revitalizing the science base.”

There will be a range of internationally acclaimed key note
speakers including:

• Professor Salvador Moncada (London, UK)
  talking about competition in scientific research;
• Professor Deepak Srivastava (San Francisco, USA)
  giving exciting information on transdifferentiation of somatic cells into
  cardiomyocytes;
• Professor Peter Davies (Philadelphia, USA),
  giving an experts view on gene regulation and blood flow;
• Professor Ron Heeren (Amsterdam,
  NL) showing sophisticated, new molecular imaging techniques of the heart;
• Professor Peter Carmeliet (Leuven,
  BE) discussing maturation of new blood vessels.

Other highlights of FCVB 2012 include a vibrant exhibition
area, featuring the latest microscopic instrumentation, tissue culture and
molecular biology equipment, and two satellite translational symposia featuring
antiplatelet treatments in acute coronary syndromes and coagulation and
anticoagulation. The lively social programme includes an informal party hosted
at the students union (Metric Club) giving delegates an opportunity to mingle
with colleagues and friends on a “typical London
night out”. 

Posted by Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief, MDT