Researchers Beer - Our genes and our hearts

Academia Raetica

At the “Researchers Beer” in the foyer of Kulturplatz Davos, scientists and interested citizens gather on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM for conversation and networking.

On 3 March 2026, the Researchers Beer will focus on Cardio-CARE and how genetics can help to better understand, prevent, and treat cardiovascular diseases. The special guest will be Dr. Cristian Riccio, bioinformatician at Cardio-CARE.

Moderated by Barbara Haller Rupf, the discussion will explore how Cardio-CARE combines genetics and data science in close collaboration with medical doctors to improve our understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Results from a recent study on inherited forms of very high LDL cholesterol will also be briefly presented, leading into a discussion of a timely and widely debated question: Is it prime time for population-wide genetic screening of inherited forms of high cholesterol? 

About the Guest

Dr. Cristian Riccio studied biology in Lausanne and completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge. He previously worked for a Swiss start-up developing genetic tests for cancer before joining Cardio-CARE in Davos in 2023. His research focuses on how genetics influences cardiovascular disease, with the aim of improving the early detection and prevention of inherited cardiovascular conditions. Most recently, he evaluated the impact of population-wide genetic screening for inherited forms of high cholesterol in Germany.

About Cardio-CARE

Founded in 2019 by the Kühne Foundation, the non-profit company Cardio-CARE strengthens the Davos Medizincampus through data-driven research focused on cardiovascular health. Cardio-CARE is home to the largest whole-genome sequencing project in the German-speaking region.

In collaboration with the Department of Cardiology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and the Institute of Pathology at Zurich University Hospital, the genomes of more than 9,000 individuals from the Hamburg City Health Study have been sequenced. These data are used to identify genetic factors linked to cardiovascular diseases, support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and contribute to the development of new treatment approaches.