The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference and over 25 years of conversations on the science of vascular disease.

The Vascular Research Initiatives conference (VRIC) is an annual conference established in 1986. This conference has successfully provided a forum for the presentation and discussion of high quality innovative, and relevant research related to the scientific underpinnings of vascular surgery. We have accomplished this by bringing young and more accomplished vascular surgeon researchers together with a broad representation of other high caliber vascular biologists. The VRIC provides a unique venue for the vascular surgery community to showcase research produced by vascular surgeon scientists – a group of physicians with an exceptional understanding of vascular disease whose direct access to patients facilitates acquisition of tissue specimens. The VRIC creates important interdisciplinary collaborations among a wide variety of vascular biology investigators. Goal-directed research progress in vascular biology is critical, as vascular disease continues to affect much of the world’s population, and in particular continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for the citizens of this country. The first aim of the VRIC is to provide a scientific forum for the presentation, dissemination and critique of new data regarding pre-clinical translational research in vascular surgical diseases. There is emphasis on mechanistic studies and discoveries of novel treatment targets that may lead to practical applications and therapies for affected patients. This aim is accomplished by: Selection of the highest quality research for a program designed to stimulate constructive interaction between all attendees. Invitation of a keynote speaker with distinction in the field of vascular research. Planned free time for informal discussions and creation of collaborations. Coordinated and collaborative meeting arrangements with the annual meeting of the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Council of the American Heart Association (AHA) – another well-established premier vascular biology meeting. The second aim of the VRIC is to provide scientific and career development support for aspiring vascular surgeon scientists. This is provided through: Presentations by junior investigators, coupled with vibrant, thought-provoking, question and answer sessions. Opportunities for informal interactions with senior faculty and presenters. Opportunities to develop networks with vascular scientists at other institutes Encouragement of attendance of a broad community of researchers and appropriate role models, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Interaction with NHLBI representatives. Over 100 participants from academia, government, and industry attend each year. The main strength of the VRIC is the opportunity for vascular surgeons and biologists to discuss cutting edge research in a well-structured, yet informal and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. This is expected to stimulate collaborations and new directions of vascular research, inspired by highly focused, cross-disciplinary interactions among the conference participants. The VRIC has an original and innovative format that plays an essential role in exposing the participants, and especially junior investigators, to new areas in the important translational field of vascular disease.