The CardioNeT Initial Training Network aims to implement a highly multidisciplinary, intersectoral and competitive training programme in cardiovascular research through cutting-edge projects and extensive training in complementary areas.CardioNeT training comprises two tightly linked components - research and complementary training - that will be implemented at local as well as network level and which will be united by individual personal career development plans carefully elaborated for each researcher recruited. The training will be complemented by intersectoral secondment opportunities offered by industrial and academic partners.Research training• Theoretical and technical local training by the different network partners, integrating knowledge from holistic molecular and cellular biology approaches with the aim to better understand the regulation of heart development and disease and to provide novel therapeutic alternatives• A variety of Network courses and workshops providing theoretical and practical training, from bioinformatics to advanced non-invasive imagingComplementary training• Complementary skills acquired through participation in local PhD programmes• A range of different activities covering various aspects of complementary training, from presentation skills, to grant applications, management, IPR and Science & Society courses.The programme will be implemented by a network consortium comprising eleven partners from both the public and industrial sectors which is further enhanced by the participation of two associated partners. Researchers who participate in the CardioNeT training programme will benefit from a significant improvement of their career prospects that will be further strengthened by the trans-national and trans-sectoral collaborations that are the basis of this network.