Leading international cardiovascular experts converged at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Tygerberg Campus as part of the prestigious Nobel in Africa Series.
The symposium, hosted by the Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA) in SU's cutting-edge Biomedical Research Institute, featured presentations by leading scientists showcasing the latest developments in cardiovascular disease research.
“Hosting this seminar on African soil carries special significance," emphasized Prof Faadiel Essop, CARMA co-director, during his opening remarks. “With cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, and projections indicating a substantial increase in coming decades, our work at CARMA becomes increasingly important."
Distinguished speakers included Prof Juleen Zierath from Karolinska Institutet and the University of Copenhagen, who explored glucose transport regulation in Type-2 diabetes. Zierath, a member of the Nobel Assembly for Physiology or Medicine, brought her extensive expertise in clinical integrative physiology to the symposium.
Harvard Medical School's Prof Peter Libby, a renowned cardiovascular specialist from Brigham Women's Hospital, presented his research on the connections between aging, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. His presentation highlighted the critical role of inflammation in vascular diseases.
The event marked the fourth instalment of the Nobel in Africa Series, launched in 2022. This initiative represents a collaboration between STIAS and SU, operating under the Nobel Foundation and Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' auspices, with support from the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
The symposium, themed "Progress and Challenges in Cardiovascular Medicine," underscores Africa's growing role in global medical research and innovation.
