On May 11–12, 2026, the NORHEART seminar Mechanisms in Cardiac Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function: Highlighting Translational Aspects was held at UiT-The Arctic University of Norway. The event gathered a total of 45 participants for two engaging days focused on both basic and clinical cardiovascular research.

Before the program started, we all enjoyed a nice lunch together in “Lysgården” outside the auditorium. The program combined presentations from local and national researchers with contributions from two invited speakers, Mathis Korsberg Stokke (UiO/OUS) and Anna Zoccarato (King’s College London), who provided valuable insights into translational medical research and metabolic reprogramming in the diseased heart.

The seminar was structured around two main themes: translational research in cardiac metabolism and mitochondrial morphology and function in preclinical cardiovascular models. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including animal-and cellular models, advanced imaging techniques, biomarker discovery, and cellular mechanisms, highlighting the diversity of current cardiovascular research.

In the evening of day 1 we had a social event with a nice Dinner at Suvi restaurant-located in Tromsø center with fantastic views of the harbor, the costal steamer, the arctic cathedral and the mountains.

The central aim of the seminar was to strengthen interaction between basic scientists and clinicians and to facilitate collaboration across disciplines and institutions. This was successfully achieved through two panel discussions addressing how to increase the translational potential of cardiac research and the opportunities and limitations of preclinical models.

The event concluded with lunch and an optional tour of the laboratories at UiT, further encouraging interaction and future collaboration among participants.

The seminar brought together both early-career and established researchers, creating an arena for scientific exchange and networking. We plan these yearly NORHEART seminars to continue as it is an important with meeting places for the continued development of cardiovascular research.

Sincerely – The 2026-UiT – NORHEART seminar committee
Prof Anne D Hafstad, Ass prof Neoma T Boardman