Peer Review

The AHA continually enhances and refines its peer review process
to identify and fund the most meritorious research
projects that support our mission:

To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Unconscious Bias Training for Reviewers

Unconscious bias training for all AHA peer reviewers is strongly encouraged but not required.

A peer reviewer who has completed *any* form of unconscious bias training in the past two years does not need to complete the AHA-specific training. However, all are welcome to review the AHA slides or video, if interested.

Soon peer reviewers will be able to record in ProposalCentral that they have completed an unconscious bias training session. The AHA will communicate when this functionality is available.

Viewing the recording or slides below constitutes a completed training session.

View the Unconscious Bias Training Session Slides (PDF)

Information for Applicants and Peer Reviewers

Science Keywords
Scoring and Triage Guidelines (PDF)
AHA Lay Stakeholders' Impact on Mission (PDF) - A Lay Stakeholder (non-scientist) volunteer is an individual without formal training as a scientist. Lay stakeholders have a strong interest in advancing AHA-focused science and healthcare. Engagement is usually based on intimate experience with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease or disorder as a survivor, family member, caregiver or advocate. Learn more about AHA Lay Stakeholder Representatives in Science and Research.
Open Science Policy Statements
AHA Confidentiality/Non-disclosure Agreement (PDF)

View program descriptions for details, application deadlines, and award activation dates.

Peer Reviewer Qualifications and Committee Rosters

See instructions in the section below to register to become an AHA research peer reviewer.

Peer Review Criteria

To judge the merit of an application, reviewers will comment on the criteria listed in the award program description. A current list of Funding Opportunities is on the Application Information page. Applicants must fully address the peer review criteria outlined for the specific award program to which they are applying.

Applicants should never contact reviewers regarding applications. Discussing the scientific content of an application or attempting to influence the review outcome will constitute a conflict of interest in the review. Reviewers must notify the AHA if an applicant contacts them.

Contact Us

For assistance with peer review-related questions, please contact us at peerreview@heart.org or (214)360-6108.

Register to Become an
AHA Research Peer Reviewer

Create a ProposalCentral reviewer account to join our study section community in three easy steps (PDF).

The AHA continually enhances and refines its peer review process to identify and fund the most meritorious research projects that support our mission: