Dr. Gemma Vilahur, a researcher in the Research Group on Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Atherothrombotic and Ischemic Diseases at the Sant Pau Research Institute, has been interviewed in the European Heart Journal. In the interview, she shared her latest findings and perspectives on the future of cardiac health research.
During the interview, Dr. Vilahur described her professional journey and the key institutions that have shaped her career. She highlighted her experience at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where she had the opportunity to work with renowned experts such as Professor Juan José Badimon and Dr. Valentín Fuster.
Her research focuses on deciphering the basic mechanisms of vascular and cardiac pathology, as well as on the discovery and evaluation of new potential therapeutic targets. “I have always been very curious and fascinated by the idea of contributing to society by positively impacting human health,” Dr. Vilahur said.
Her recent discoveries include new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat ischemic heart disease, with significant advances in reducing myocardial damage and improving cardiac function. Additionally, Vilahur and her team are investigating the harmful effects of cardiovascular risk factors on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and exploring new nano-HDL constructs with cardio-protective potential.
With four international patents and three spin-off companies founded to develop her intellectual property, Vilahur has been recognized by various institutions, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award (2012) and the European Society of Cardiology’s Excellence Award (2019).
Her career not only stands out for her scientific contributions, but also for her commitment to gender equality in research. Dr. Vilahur encourages young researchers to stay motivated and persevere, overcoming the challenges often encountered on the path to leadership positions.
Reference Article
Judith Ozkan. European Heart Journal, Volume 45, Issue 23, 14 June 2024, Pages 2032–2033, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae034
