The Cardiovascular Research Seminar Series is a monthly academic seminar hosted at the Department of Biomedicine (DBM). The seminar series provides a platform for students to present and discuss ongoing research in the field of cardiovascular biology and medicine with members of the cardiovascular research community.

The seminar is held once per month (12 sessions per year) for one hour. Each session features a presentation from one of the cardiovascular research groups, focusing on current research projects, emerging research questions, experimental approaches, and recent findings in cardiovascular science in the form of a Journal Club.

A key component of the seminar series is the active participation of students working in cardiovascular research laboratories. During their research year, Master’s students have the opportunity to present their own research projects to the cardiovascular research community. This experience helps them develop important scientific communication skills and provides valuable experience in presenting and discussing scientific work in an academic setting.

Alternatively, sessions may also take the format of a journal club, where participants critically discuss recent scientific publications relevant to cardiovascular research. This format allows students and researchers to understand the mechanisms of science, using excellent examples as study-cases, strengthen their critical evaluation skills, and foster scientific discussion.

Each seminar includes time for questions and open discussion following the presentation, encouraging constructive feedback and interaction among participants. The Group Leaders of the cardiovascular research groups of the DBM are present to lead the scientific discussion. This faculty includes clinical, biological and engineering expertise, fostering a multi-disciplinary training. The seminar series exposes students to a broad range of topics within cardiovascular research and integrates them into the active research environment at DBM.

Content

1. Introduction to cardiovascular biology and disease mechanisms.

2. Current state-of-the-art research approaches used by cardiovascular research groups at the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) and in the World (through Journal Clubs).

3. Experimental models and methodologies used in cardiovascular research, including molecular, cellular, engineering and translational approaches.

4. Mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac injury, inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling.

5. Emerging therapeutic strategies and experimental interventions in cardiovascular medicine, spanning from biological to biomedical engineering approaches.

6. Presentation of ongoing research projects from DBM cardiovascular research groups.

7. Critical discussion of recent scientific literature in cardiovascular research (journal club sessions).

8. Master’s student presentations of their research projects and international literature, with scientific discussion within the cardiovascular research community.

This format exposes students to ongoing cardiovascular research at DBM, encourages critical evaluation of scientific data, and provides training in scientific communication and discussion.

By participating in the Cardiovascular Research Seminar Series, Master’s students will be able to:

1. Develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific data and experimental approaches in cardiovascular research

2. Improve their scientific communication and presentation skills

3. Engage in constructive scientific discussion and ask relevant research questions

4. Gain exposure to diverse research topics, methodologies, and experimental strategies in cardiovascular biology

5. Strengthen their understanding of how ongoing research contributes to advances in cardiovascular medicine

6. Participation in the seminar series supports the development of essential academic skills and provides students with valuable experience within a collaborative research environment.

PD. Dr. Andrea Banfi (andrea.banfi@clutterunibas.ch)
Dr. Yasmin Alshoubaki (yasmin.alshoubaki@clutterunibas.ch

1-2 ECTS per year

The course must be taken in the fall semester as well as in the spring semester. Each participant must present 1-2 times. Credit points will only be given after the spring semester.

Number of hours at seminar/year: 12 hours

Number of hours of preparation/year: 16-30 hours (presenting students have to make figures, analyse data, analyse paper for journal club, etc).