Alumni News and Events


Research Alumni Reception at Scientific Sessions

Join us on Saturday, November 16, from 5-6 pm for hors d’oeuvres, networking and the annual photo of all past and current AHA research awardees!

Watch your email for your invitation. Present the message on phone or printout to enter the event. The reception will take place in the North Hall between registration and Main Event I – in front of the Heart & Torch.

Questions? Please email [email protected]

Sessions Group Photo

Highlights from the Researchers at Heart Reception at Scientific Sessions 2023

Scroll to the right for more pictures

Funding Updates and Deadlines

AHA’s Next Network Award Topic Announced

Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome: Heterogeneity in Women
Required pre-proposals due: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
This initiative will support a collaborative network of researchers whose collective efforts will address critical questions and stimulate significant advances in our understanding of Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome in women and the related contributing factors. CKM Syndrome is a health disorder due of connections among heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. Health outcomes are poor and affect multiple organ systems, and the considerable heterogeneity seen in CKM is not well understood. Outcomes from the SFRN should facilitate improved approaches for both prevention and treatment of CKM.

Deadlines announced for these investigator-initiated funding opportunities:

Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training
Proposal deadline: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
This award is made to qualified institutions that can offer a meaningful research experience that supports the AHA mission that encourages undergraduate college students from all disciplines to consider research careers.


AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA)
Proposal deadline: Thursday, September 12, 2024

Stimulates research at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees related to scientific research training. Eligible institutions may not have been major recipients of NIH support. Awards provide funding for small-scale research projects related to cardiovascular diseases and brain health, enhancing the research environment at eligible institutions, and exposing students to research opportunities.


Established Investigator Award
Pre-proposal deadline: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Supports established investigators in rapid career growth phase, with records of accomplishments and showing extraordinary promise. Candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular science disciplines that support the AHA’s mission, as indicated by funding and publication history and scientific accomplishments. Candidates should propose an innovative/novel research direction that challenges existing paradigms and employs novel concepts, approaches, or technologies.


Collaborative Sciences Award
Pre-proposal deadline: Thursday, October 3, 2024

Fosters innovative collaborative approaches to research projects that propose novel pairings of investigators from at least two broadly disparate disciplines. The proposal must focus on the collaborative relationship, such that the scientific objectives could not be achieved without the efforts of at least two co-principal investigators and their respective disciplines.

Within this award, additional collaboration money has been designated through the AHA/VIVA Physician Research Award and by the California Walnut Commission.


Career Development Award
Proposal deadline: Wednesday, December 5, 2024

Supports highly promising healthcare and academic professionals in the early years of first professional appointment to assure the applicant’s future success as a research scientist in the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease research.


Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Science
Proposal deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2025

To enable current AHA awardees to identify and serve as mentors for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups in science and medicine.

Noteworthy Call Outs

Learn about AHA Funding at Scientific Sessions

Glenn H. Dillon, PhD

Glenn H. Dillon, PhD, Vice President of Research & Grants Administration for the AHA, will present, “Inside the AHA’s Research Enterprise: Grant Funding and Other Opportunities.” Gain helpful knowledge for planning your proposals.

Monday, Nov. 18, 1:30-2:45 pm

Location: CardioTalk

Featured Alumni Stories

Craig Goergen, PhD, FAHA

Leslie A. Geddes Professor
Co-Director of Purdue Engineering Initiative in Engineering—Medicine
Director of Clinical Programs, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering

Purdue University

“This funding helped create a new three-year summer program called "Cardiovascular Disease and Biomedical Engineering at Purdue/Indiana University"..."

Craig Goergen