Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Council (BCVS) of the American Heart Association. As your BCVS Council Chair, I am honored to serve with a deep sense of gratitude, pride, and optimism for what we can accomplish together over the next two years.

As we begin our Association’s second century, we remain united by a shared commitment to advancing basic and translational cardiovascular research, education, and patient care. BCVS provides a vibrant global community built on scientific rigor, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. I encourage you to become actively involved through volunteering, leadership opportunities, education programs, advocacy efforts, and initiatives that help translate discovery into improved cardiovascular health for all.

I assume this role during a challenging period for the research community. Ongoing funding uncertainties and other pressures continue to affect investigators at every career stage. Yet, the resilience our community demonstrated during the pandemic reminds us that we can meet difficult moments with determination and purpose. While challenges evolve, our mission remains constant: advancing cardiovascular health and advocating for sustained investment in research. Supporting trainees and early-career scientists will continue to be a cornerstone of BCVS activities.

I would also like to thank the many BCVS leaders who have positioned our Council as one of the Association’s largest and most influential professional communities. In particular, I am grateful to Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Immediate Past Chair, for her leadership in advancing international collaboration, mentorship, support for women and mid-career scientists, and the growth of a dynamic and globally connected cardiovascular research community.

Looking ahead, I am committed to building on this momentum by expanding opportunities for engagement, leadership, mentoring, and career development across all career stages. We will strengthen collaborations within BCVS, across the Association’s other scientific councils, and with investigators around the world to foster an even more connected and impactful scientific community.

Thank you for being part of BCVS. I look forward to working together to advance cardiovascular science and improve health worldwide.

With gratitude,

Sean M. Wu, MD, PhD, FAHA
Chair, Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences