AtheroTalk

Prof. Katariina Öörni, Co-Editor of Atherosclerosis, the official journal of the EAS and a member of the EAS Executive Committee for Communication in 2025-2028, is our distinguished guest in this episode of AtheroTalk.

The conversation paints us a vivid picture about Prof. Öörni’s academic journey and research and is full of inspiring stories. Tune in to hear more about the function of lipoprotein particles and their role in atherosclerosis development, the Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory in the Wihuri Research Institute, the Finnish lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular health, very unusual research subjects and brilliant advice for young clinicians and researchers.

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Script-prep: Hana Bartušková

Interviewer: Laura Gaita

In this episode of AtheroTalk we are privileged to host Prof. Heribert Schunkert, the recipient of the 2026 EAS Anitschkow Prize - the Society’s most prestigious award - for his pioneering work in the genetics of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

By listening to Prof. Schunkert’s inspiring academic journey and thought-provoking insights regarding the future of cardiovascular disease management, this discussion makes us wonder about how we can include polygenic risk scores in daily clinical practice, how we can improve the care of our patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and about how we can overcome the biggest challenges in cardiometabolic medicine.

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Script-prep: Laura Gaita, Azin Kheirkhah, Tatyana Storozhenko

Interviewer: Laura Gaita

How do we beat atherosclerosis? In this special EAS Stage session, we bring together three rising scientists tackling that single question from completely different angles. Dr Soheil Saeedi (University of Zurich) explores cardiovascular aging and how a gut microbial metabolite can drive endothelial senescence. Dr Cesare Canepari (San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy) makes the case for gene therapy and genome editing to actually cure familial hypercholesterolemia. Dr Berkan Kurt (University Hospital Aachen) brings the clinician-scientist's perspective on inflammation, hsCRP, and emerging biomarkers, straight from the bedside. Three labs, three countries, three toolkits, one disease.

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana Storozhenko

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana Storozhenko

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we sit down with Prof. Manuel Mayr to explore how proteomics, multi-omics, and systems biology are transforming the way we understand cardiovascular disease. From decoding complex molecular networks to discussing the future of AI-driven medicine, Prof. Mayr shares a fascinating perspective on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular research and the challenges of translating massive datasets into meaningful clinical insight. Beyond the science, the conversation reflects on curiosity, mentorship, and building a career driven by genuine passion.

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

Prof. Dagmar Kratky is often called the “queen of lipid hydrolases” — and in this episode of AtheroTalk, she shares her passion for this fascinating field. Discover how cells store and mobilize fat, why maintaining the balance between these processes is essential for metabolic health, and which lipid hydrolases still remain to be discovered. Beyond the science, Dagmar Kratky also shares personal insights into the key milestones of her career and offers inspiring advice for young scientists: “Stay persistent, try again, never give up, and never take it personally — just try again, and it will work.” An inspiring conversation about scientific curiosity, resilience, and the future of lipid research.

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Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah

Interviewer: Marion Mussbacher

What does it take to turn scientific evidence into healthcare policy that improves lives? In this AtheroTalk episode, we sit down with Prof. Zanfina Ademi, a leading health economist at Monash University, to explore how health economics shapes modern cardiovascular prevention. From the development of Productivity-Adjusted Life Years (PALYs) to the global push for lipoprotein(a) testing, Prof. Ademi shares insights from her remarkable career at the intersection of science, policy, and public health. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, impact, and the future of cardiovascular care.

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Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah

Interviewer: Azin Kheirkhah

Dagmar Kratky is often called the “queen of lipid hydrolases” — and in this episode of AtheroTalk, she shares her passion for this fascinating field. Discover how cells store and mobilize fat, why maintaining the balance between these processes is essential for metabolic health, and which lipid hydrolases still remain to be discovered. Beyond the science, Dagmar Kratky also shares personal insights into the key milestones of her career and offers inspiring advice for young scientists: “Stay persistent, try again, never give up, and never take it personally — just try again, and it will work.” An inspiring conversation about scientific curiosity, resilience, and the future of lipid research.

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Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah

Interviewer: Marion Mussbacher

This episode of AtheroTalk features Prof. Raul Santos from Brazil, reflecting on his journey in cardiovascular medicine and his impact on the field of lipidology. The discussion covers advances in familial hypercholesterolemia, LDL lowering, and emerging therapies like Lp(a), alongside the real-world challenges of prevention across different regions. Combining scientific insight with personal perspective, it’s an engaging and thoughtful conversation with a clear message: stay curious, keep pushing forward, and “go after your dreams”.

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

What does it take to build a career at the intersection of clinical care, research, and global collaboration? In this episode of AtheroTalk, we speak with Prof. Pablo Corral from Argentina, who brings a grounded and insightful perspective on lipid disorders, cardiovascular prevention, and the evolving role of large-scale clinical trials.

From tackling familial hypercholesterolemia to addressing residual risk, he shares both the realities and possibilities of advancing care in Latin America. Along the way, he reflects on mentorship, career choices, and what truly sustains long-term motivation, captured in one simple idea: “Find something you are truly passionate about.”

A thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating science, medicine, and purpose.

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

In this episode, Prof. Rory Collins shares the personal moments that shaped his career and pulls back the curtain on UK Biobank: how it really works, the tough calls, and the surprises along the way. As more of us rely on UKB for our research, this candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone using the resource: the context, trade-offs, and behind-the-scenes details you don’t usually get.

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Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova, Azin Kheirkhah, Elena Rodriguez-Sanchez

Interviewer: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Azin Kheirkhah