“We are here to make excellent experimental and translational cardiovascular research,” says Stokke. “Experiments are at the heart of research, innovation, and quality improvement. This is why IEMR naturally belongs at the intersection between the university and the hospital system.”
Professor Stokke has been associated with IEMR since 2006. Starting as a PhD student, he continued as a postdoc, and later as supervisor, while finishing his clinical training in Cardiology. In 2020, he rejoined IEMR fulltime as a Group leader for Translational arrhythmology and electrophysiology.
“IEMR is a well-run ship going in the right direction. My main role will be to facilitate the great research that IEMR is known for. We have internationally renowned senior scientists, and a solid base in our highly qualified technical staff. Our focus on recruitment in recent years has also ensured that we have a steady influx of top quality early career scientists,” says Stokke.
Stokke has been part of the administration in the previous Center for Heart Failure Research, and currently in the Norwegian PhD School of Heart Research (NORHEART). He also maintains part-time clinical work at the Department of Cardiology. “With my background, I hope to bring an even further strengthening of our collaboration with clinical partners, while maintaining our focus on basic and translational science. The key will be team effort, which is the IEMR way,” says the new Head of Institute.