Editorial - February 2021

Dear members, dear colleagues, dear friends,

We hope this newsletter finds you healthy and safe! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we sacrificed a lot in 2020. We would like to take a moment to thank and show appreciation for clinicians and scientists who are putting a massive effort in the fight against the pandemic and are helping us to get us through this difficult time. There is now light at the end of the tunnel. This new year 2021 is a great time to be optimistic- the vaccine holds the promise of a post-COVID-19 life. We hope to be able to return to normal traveling and visiting other countries in the latter part of 2021.

When it comes to our scientific activities, we will contribute to the FCVB in Budapest in 2022, ESC Congress 2021, the Digital Experience, and other National Cardiac Societies scientific meetings where we can meet one another again in person, exchange inspirations and start fruitful collaborations.

We support high-quality research and scientific excellence at ESC Congress. All young members are invited to submit abstracts within the topic of Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation to the ESC Congress 2021 and apply for the “Young Investigator Award”. Best abstracts will be selected and presented during an online Young Investigator Award Session Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation. This is unique opportunity for early career member to develop a network and to promote their research at the highest scientific level.
We have also decided to continue the scientific Mobility Travel Grant for early career members to spend time at another institution with the purpose of advancing the future of cardiovascular medicine and strengthening collaboration relations between research institutions.  Access the website for further details.

Finally, our position paper about functional and structural adaptations of the coronary vasculature to regular aerobic exercise is submitted and will hopefully be published soon. Stay tuned!

We all still have work to do to protect the health of our patients and those we love. When we come together, we win.

On behalf of the Working Group nucleus,

Dimitris Tousoulis, Chairperson 2020-2022
Edina Cenko, Secretary 2020-2022
Marija Vavlukis, Communication Coordinator 2020-2022