Lay Reviewers in Science and Research
Become a lay reviewer
and impact AHA science
Lay Stakeholder Engagement is Vital to AHA Science and Research
- Increases the accountability and transparency of the research process.
- Provides real-world understanding of what most impacts those affected by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and/or disorders.
- Helps shape and influence the culture of the research agenda and strengthens its impact on the mission.
- Bridges the gap between scientists and patients to alleviate barriers in understanding the focus of why research is necessary.
- Gives voice to the issues stakeholders think are most important.
- Integrates a diverse range of views (researchers, health professionals and service-user representatives) so research becomes more effective.
- Improves understanding of the benefits and burdens of patients in research studies.
- Informs others of the human dimension of research and its outcome.
- Prompts a sense of urgency for finding cures and more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatments.
Benefits to Lay Stakeholders:
- Increased awareness and respect for the importance of the research enterprise.
- Demystify the research process for other non-scientists.
- Gain confidence in the rigor of AHA’s selection of research projects.
- Satisfaction of contributing to a cure for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and/or disorders.
- Awareness that real-world lay stakeholder experience can influence the direction of science.
Benefits to Scientists:
- Clearer connection between research focus and patients.
- Respect for the patient's voice.
- Broader perspective for connecting science with patients.
- Enhances more patient-centered research.
- Minimizes scientists' intellectual biases regarding patient involvement.
Lay Stakeholder Requirements
The AHA strives for a demographically diverse group of qualified Lay Stakeholder volunteers who have intimate experience with cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease or disorders from communities across the country. When possible, Lay Stakeholders are assigned to join review committees with which they are specifically suited and have expressed an interest.
- Survivor/Patient
- Caregiver/Advocate/Thought Leader
Contact: Elizabeth Cooper or Angela McCarty
Want to join us?
Sign up with the interest form below to let us know you're interested in AHA Research volunteer opportunities.
Learn more: Click on this Introduction to Lay Stakeholders in Science and Research presentation.
AHA-funded investigators and a lay stakeholder talk about their work
Learn why it's important for non-scientists to be involved in evaluating research proposals, and hear about some of the impactful research being conducted by AHA-funded investigators.
Scroll right for more videos >>
Task Force Members
The AHA Lay Stakeholder Task Force on Science and Research has broad responsibility for engaging lay people in all aspects of the AHA research enterprise.
2024-25 Members
- Kathleen T. Linta, chairperson
Mary Ann Bauman, MD
Denise Castille
Nnenna Blessing Ezuma
Rev. Leroy Miles, MDiv, MA, CAM-1
Tania Saiz
Rose Weiss
Library
Newsletter
Read about Lay Stakeholder in Science and Research Task Force's most recent activities, member profiles, and volunteer opportunities.
Journal Article
Circulation (ahajournals.org) | Lay Stakeholders in Science and Research Initiative: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
2024 Holidays