We warmly invite you to participate in an introductory, interactive and interdisciplinary course focusing on the fundamentals of basic metabolism and cardiovascular function, as well as the pathophysiology of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and their complications at the molecular level.

This course is an immersive 3.5 day event, designed for 35 late state master students through second year PhD students, who will convene to discuss with senior researchers the molecular mechanisms involved in developing diabetes, endocrine and cardiovascular disease.

The course provides a solid foundation in basic metabolism and cardiovascular physiology, as well as the pathophysiology of related diseases and their complications. From the very beginning, you will dive into the core principles of metabolic regulation and heart function, while also gaining broader perspectives on obesity and metabolic diseases in an evolutionary perspective.

As the course progresses, we will build on this foundation, by exploring the powerful links between cardiometabolic health, and organ systems, with a focus on:

• Fundamentals of metabolic regulation and cardiovascular physiology
• Organ cross talk involving:
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Muscle & Heart
  • Gut
  • Kidney

In addition to lectures and discussions with leading researchers, you will engage in group work and hands-on exercises designed to apply your learning.

Throughout the course, time is dedicated to informally meet with the speakers and organisers, get to know your fellow students’ research areas, network and have fun with peers and senior scientists from Denmark and abroad in an informal, relaxed and beautiful setting.

Confirmed speakers:

• Andreas Andersen, Postdoc, Team Leader, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (DK)
• Anniek Lubberding, Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen (DK)
• Boye Lagerbon Jensen, Professor, Head of Department, University of Southern Denmark (DK)
• Daniel Andersson, Associate Professor, Karolinska Institutet (SE)
• Ibrahim AlZaim, PhD Student, Aarhus University (DK)
• Martin Jastroch, Professor, Stockholm University (SE)
• Nils Færgeman, Professor, University of Southern Denmark (DK)
• Stephan von Haehling, Professor, University of Göttingen Medical Center (DE)
• Trine Nielsen, Senior Researcher, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (DK)

Organisers:
This PhD course is organised by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) in collaboration with the Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DCA) and the scientific organising committee consisting of:

• Anniek Lubberding, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (DK)
• Christine Rode Schwarz, Postdoc, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, and member of Committee for Education, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DK)
• Joanna Kalucka, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University (DK)
• Nils Færgeman, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, and Chair of Committee for Education, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DK)
• Rasmus Kjøbsted, Associate Professor, NEXS, University of Copenhagen
• Søren Nielsen, Senior Scientist and Group Leader, CFAS, Rigshospitalet, and member of Committee for Education, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DK)

This course is intended for late state master students through second year PhD students interested in integrative cardiometabolic research areas, as well as molecular metabolism, diabetes, endocrinology and cardiology. Basic, translational and clinical researchers are included in the scope.

Participants will be selected based on a motivation statement submitted through the registration form, with clear and relevant motivation as the primary criterion. If possible, we aim to ensure diversity within the group, considering factors such as research focus, gender, and geography.

After the registration deadline, all applicants will be informed whether or not they have been allocated a seat at the course. Notification will be by email from DDEA approximately one week after the registration deadline.

Please note that you are not guaranteed a seat at the event if you do not meet the target group requirements. Priority is given to participants employed at Danish research and health institutions or in the life science industry. Early career researchers from abroad are welcome to apply. If the event is overbooked, the DDEA reserves its right to select participants based on the defined requirements.

Accommodation & meals
Since networking is an important aspect of the course all participants are expected to stay at the venue from 20-23 October 2026.

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy and the Danish Cardiovascular Academy will cover the cost of overnight accommodation and meals from 16:00 on 20 October to 23 October 2026.

Certification
A course certificate of attendance and participation can be issued upon request at the end of the course. Full participation in the course is required to receive the certificate. Apply to your PhD school for ECTS credits with the certificate and course programme.

Latest cancellation date & no-show fee
Please note that it is free of charge to participate in the event however the DDEA will charge a no-show fee of 1000 DKK if you do not show up and have not unregistered from the event by 1 October 2026.