Contract signed for new cardiovascular center at Charité

Berlin's Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey speaks before the signing of the contract.

Conduct research on cardiovascular diseases, identify individual risks and respond to them - with these objectives in mind, the contract for a new prevention center at Charité hospital in Berlin was signed.

On Wednesday (June 29, 2022), Friede Springer, Chairwoman of the Board of the Friede Springer Foundation, Heyo Kroemer, Chairman of the Board of Charité, and its Dean Axel Pries signed the contract to establish the new "Friede Springer Cardiovascular Prevention Center at Charité". Berlin's Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey, Health Senator Ulrike Gote and Finance Senator Daniel Wesener were also present at the event in the Rotes Rathaus.

State of Berlin supports project with seven million euros

Specifically, the new center will focus on more comprehensive research into risks and resilience for cardiovascular diseases. In this way, new concepts and strategies for prevention are to be derived. Over the next ten years, the non-profit Friede Springer Foundation will fund the establishment of the center with up to 70 million euros. The state of Berlin is supporting the project with a further seven million euros.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in Germany. They manifest in very different ways and range from high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and cardiac arrhythmias to heart failure and a heart attack. Charité CEO Kroemer called the center an "important milestone" and said, "We know that early intervention can significantly change the course of cardiovascular diseases."

Giffey: New center as an important building block for Berlin as a center of research

According to a press release, Giffey said: "Berlin is an outstanding center of science and research. The new prevention and research center for cardiovascular diseases at Charité will be another important building block in this development of excellence." She praised Friede Springer's commitment as exceptional. "The scientific work that will take place at the prevention center ensures medical progress and helps prevent disease and save lives."