There is a great need for multi-disciplinary and methodologically well trained scientists in order to unravel complex diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is more prevalent in women, and its high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) with nearly 50% of all deaths in CKD patients caused by CVD, is such a complex disease and its socio-economic burden is extremely high. STRATEGY-CKD will in this context focus on the gut-kidney axis and the role of the intestinal microbiome as important contributor to the genesis and evolution of CVD in CKD and as possible therapeutic target to improve outcome of CKD patients. For this purpose, 10 leading multidisciplinary academic and 3 industrial investigators and their teams will train young researchers in (1) excellent scientific skills, integrating technological skills [in vitro, bacterial and animals molecular and functional studies, state-of-the-art omic (cultur-, microbi, peptid-, prote-, metabolomics) approaches, bioinformatics, systems biology] in clinical/mechanistic knowledge to generate innovative insights triggering the pathogenesis and treatment of CKD related CVD; (2) Excellent complementary skills in personal and career development as well as business training required to extend beyond scientific research; and (3) exposure to both academic and non-academic environments, required to build bridges between researchers and entrepreneurs and support the future translation of research findings in innovative therapies and services.

STRATEGY-CKD builds on already available advanced technology, models and patient samples, and established collaborations. STRATEGY-CKD links to ongoing European programs among partners of the consortium. STRATEGY-CKD will stimulate the development of young, broadly-trained scientists able to successfully link basic to clinical research in academia as well as in industry unravelling complex diseases such as CVD-CKD.