Protocol between the FCT and the Directorate-General for Health to fund Research Programs in Cardiovascular Diseases

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS)/National Programfor Brain and Cardiovascular Diseases (PNDCCV) signed a protocol at the beginning of December with a view to integrating national participation in the ERA-NET Cofund ERA-CVD network - Research Programs in Cardiovascular Diseases, under the Horizon 2020 Program.

Cardiovascular diseases, namely stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease (IHD), are the leading causes of death in Portugal and are currently one of the country's main public health problems. As such, combating these diseases is considered a priority by the Ministry of Health through the PNDCCV, implemented by the DGS.

The impact on public health and, consequently, the social and economic impact that Cardiovascular Brain Diseases represent for Portugal, justify special attention and investment in the discovery of new therapies and technologies that improve efficiency in the fight against these diseases. In this sense, it is hoped that this institutional cooperation between the FCT and the DGS will contribute to better supporting the national scientific community carrying out research in the area of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in the promotion and advancement of scientific knowledge and technological development.

This partnership will be achieved through the joint funding of projects with Portuguese coordination or participation, selected under the joint transnational Calls launched by ERA-CVD, the European network that aims to fund transnational Research and Development (R&D) projects in cardiovascular research. It should be noted that the first Call the ERA-CVD network in 2016 opened this January, with a view to selecting funding for research projects in the area of Heart Failure.