A New Centre to Advance Cardiovascular Research in Geneva

University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine has launched the Geneva Centre for Cardiac and Vascular Research (GCCVR) — a new hub designed to unite and accelerate Geneva’s strengths in cardiology, vascular medicine and data-driven research.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Switzerland, claiming more than 20,000 lives in 2023. Co-directed by Professors Christoph Huber and Brenda Kwak, the GCCVR aims to break the silos that have long separated clinical practice, fundamental research, engineering and data science. Geneva already counts over 40 research groups and more than CHF 23 million in competitive funding in the field, but collaborations have often remained informal and fragmented. The new centre seeks to transform this landscape by building an integrated network where ideas, data and expertise flow seamlessly.

The timing is crucial: with an ageing population and more than 137,000 annual hospitalisations linked to cardiovascular conditions, the need for coordinated research and innovation has never been greater. The GCCVR will support this transformation by developing shared digital platforms, fostering translational projects and shaping the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

A cornerstone of the initiative is a pioneering data governance strategy, created in collaboration with HUG and UNIGE medical informatics teams. By integrating imaging, genomic, clinical and biobank data under FAIR principles, the centre aims to position Geneva as a European leader in cardiovascular data science.

➡️ Source: UNIGE | 📸 ©GCCVR