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Basic science research discoveries are foundational to improving cardiovascular health and curing heart disease. The Duke Cardiovascular Research Center is a world leader in basic cardiovascular research. Our work is led by prominent scientists, many of whom are also dedicated physicians, working to improve patient care through new discoveries.
Working Toward the Future
![CVRC logo](/sites/default/files/2022-02/CVRC%20logo.jpeg)
Research remains foundational to addressing impending challenges in cardiovascular disease. The basic and translational scientists in the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center have a mission of service to guide Duke Heart toward the future, by promoting creative integration across the basic, translational and clinical enterprise to accomplish key initiatives in discovery science, innovation, preventive cardiology, and cardiovascular disease treatment.
The Duke Cardiovascular Research Center is now ramping up to strengthen this continuum of cardiology research, which culminates in improved patient care. The CVRC also has a mission of scholarship, training, and mentoring to develop the next generation leaders. To accomplish these goals, the Cardiovascular Research Center is eager to partner at all levels—with caregivers, other institutions, industry, and innovative thinkers willing to contribute to this cause and answer the call to action.
Together, we can make an investment in a future with better tools and medicines for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
![Dr. Leftkowitz teaching](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_small/public/2022-02/L%20teaching%20320x200_1.jpeg?itok=44xqfjeg)
The chemistry of discovery
Duke CVRC's Nobel Laureate, Robert Lefkowitz, MD, on how science develops from asking big questions and accepting inevitable failure.
The Victor J. Dzau Lecture Series in Cardiovascular Research supported by the Mandel Foundation
The Victor J. Dzau Seminar Series features presentations on cardiovascular topics by visiting researchers and Duke faculty.
Walter Koch, PhD (right) Instructor in the Department of Surgery will be the presenter on September 20, 2023.
Latest News
Howard Rockman to present Biased GPCR Signaling in the Heart on 10/28/16
Howard Rockman, MD, will present his research at the Department's Research Seminar Series on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 in Duke Hospital Room 2002. Dr. Rockman will discuss Biased GPCR Signaling in the Heart.
Duke CVRC members part of a consortium creating and testing a three-dimensional heart patch
Duke Cardiovascular Research Center members Nenand Bursac, PhD, Howard Rockman, MD, and Victor Dzau, MD, are part of a mulit-university team of researchers that has been tasked with creating and testing a three-dimensional "heart patch" that can literally mend a broken heart.
Poss receives AHA award to study how heart cells regenerate
Kenneth Poss, PhD, James B. Duke Professor of Cell Biology, medicine and biology and affiliated faculty in the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, has received a $1 million merit award from the American Heart Association.
Cardiologist Sudarshan Rajagopal to present biasing receptor signaling research May 27
Sudarshan Rajagopal, MD, assistant professor of medicine (Cardiology), will present his research at the Department's Research Seminar Series on Friday, May 27, 2016 in Duke Hospital Room 2002. Dr. Rajagopal will discuss biasing receptor signaling to understand human disease.
Maria Rapoza joins Duke Cardiovascular Research Center as executive director
Maria Rapoza, PhD, joined the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center earlier this month as the center's executive director. Dr. Rapoza will work with Howard Rockman, MD, professor of medicine (Cardiology) and the center's director.
Howard Rockman to direct Duke Cardiovascular Research Center
Howard Rockman, MD, professor of medicine, has agreed to serve as director of the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center. The mission of the CVRC is to solidify, enhance and support outstanding cardiovascular research from the basic discovery end of the translational research spectrum.