INTEC uses an interdisciplinary thematic approach to connect the relevant knowledge at Ghent University ― fundamental and translational research, clinical and pharmaceutical experts with an established high-impact track record in studying aspects of EC ― with an international network of partners who were carefully chosen to represent a diverse base of expertise, to exploit complementarities and to avoid competition. They are internationally recognized leading researchers that acknowledge the need for a collaborative approach to make important progress in the field of EC.

Ectopic calcification is defined as inappropriate biomineralization occurring in soft tissues. It can affect a wide variety of tissues such as arteries, valves, brain and connective tissues (e.g. skin, joints) and result in significant morbidity and mortality.

INTEC is the largest consortium of experts dedicated to advancing the knowledge on acquired and genetic calcification towards clinical and therapeutic applications by stimulating, facilitating and enhancing cooperation and better transfer of knowledge as it bridges different disciplines(rare versus common disease, genotype versus phenotype, preclinical versus clinical) and sectors(academic research, clinical research and industrial R&D).



We want to achieve to have worldwide aware-ness for and acknowledgement of EC as a serious health condition. For this to be achieved, our aims are:

1. to better understand the mechanisms, risk factors and modulators in the different rare and common  EC diseases and aging and,

2. to translate this knowledge towards novel innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate the    increasing burden of EC as part of primary and secondary preventive measures.