Thematic network “HEART - BRAIN INTERFACES”
RICC
Objective
The thematic networks organized by Inserm aim to facilitate the emergence of new research areas by enabling teams working on a common issue to get to know each other and share information. As such, the networks provide a structure for new research communities and a fertile environment for future collaborative projects to foster the development of innovative concepts.
Description
There are several reasons for establishing a collaborative preclinical and clinical research network for cardiac and neurological physiological processes and pathologies, known as the heart-brain axis. Cardiovascular and neurological diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, are leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. The heart and brain are closely interconnected physiologically through the vascular system. Cellular degeneration, autoimmune and inflammatory reactions, and electrical activity dysfunctions are common mechanisms in both cardiac and neurological pathologies.
Understanding the similarities, differences, and specificities of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of these pathologies can improve their diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. To gain a better understanding of these processes and make faster progress in treating diseases, it is necessary to consider the full range of interactions between the heart, the vascular network, and the brain. Innovative therapies that target the heart and brain individually or simultaneously, such as drug-based and endovascular thrombolytic strategies, treatments aimed at reducing cell death, anti-inflammatory approaches, and reparative strategies, should be developed. Prevention approaches for these conditions have common features, including the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The diagnosis and prognosis of these conditions use common approaches, notably electrophysiology, nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), and ultrasound imaging, as well as the search for circulating biomarkers. Therefore, gaining a better comprehension of shared risk or protective factors and the underlying mechanisms should help to develop more effective prevention strategies for cardiac and neurological diseases.
Coordinators of the network
Nabila Bouatia-Naji, Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), Paris
Anne Pizard, IT Physiopathology, Metabolism and Nutrition (IT-PMN), Paris
Maxime Gauberty, UMR-S U1237 / GIS Institute Blood and Brain, GIP Cyceron, Caen
Stéphanie Lenck, Institut du Cerveau, Paris, France
Axes and themes
Scientific fields
Cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases – cardiology – neurosciences - neurology – hematology – health technology – imaging – immunity – biocollections – biomarkers – epidemiology
Contact * contact.reseaucoeurcerveau@inserm.fr
“ HEART – BRAIN INTERFACES ”
SAVE THE DATE
December 9, 2026 | Paris
The “Interface C½ur–Cerveau” Network (RICC) is pleased to announce its
2nd Annual Meeting of RICC,
(MAS, 10–18 rue des Terres au Curé, 75013, PARIS).
This flagship event will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, trainees, and partners to advance a shared ambition: fostering interdisciplinary synergies to strengthen heart–brain research and enhance its international visibility and competitiveness.
The 2026 edition will place a special emphasis on the feminine dimension and the role of sex and gender in the heart–brain axis, while covering the full spectrum of integrative brain–heart research.
The detailed program and registration link for
this must-attend event for the community will be announced shortly.