The Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) is committed to nurturing the next generation of cardiovascular research leaders. Through the Scientific Sessions Travel Grantsthe ATVB aims to encourage and support early career investigatorsparticularly women and underrepresented populations, to actively participate in ATVB and other American Heart Association (AHA) activities.
These grants are more than just financial aid; they are a stepping stone for young researchers to present their work on a prestigious platform, network with industry leaders, and contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular research.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for these travel grants, applicants must meet several criteria. Firstly, all applicants must be AHA/American Stroke Association members at any level. If you’re not already a member, it’s advisable to join at least one week before the application deadline to ensure your membership is processed in time.
Applicants must also be actively involved in research and either still in training as an undergraduate or pre-doctoral student, or within ten years of completing their medical fellowship, terminal degree, or highest certificate. Additionally, applicants must submit an abstract to the AHA Scientific Sessions in accordance with the AHA’s rules and regulations. This abstract must be accepted in an ATVB-sponsored category for the applicant to be eligible for the grant.
Presentation and Registration Requirements
The presenting author of an accepted abstract must be registered for the Scientific Sessions. Applicants can apply for multiple travel grants with different abstracts, but they are eligible to receive only one travel grant, even if multiple abstracts are accepted. Moreover, each applicant is eligible to receive only one council-sponsored award per AHA conference per year.
Winners of the travel grants are not eligible to re-enter the competition in subsequent years. There are no citizenship requirements for these grants. However, the research projects must adhere to the AHA’s policies governing all research awards, including those involving human subjects, animals, and stem cell research.
Evaluation Criteria: What Sets a Strong Application Apart?
The evaluation of applications is based on the scientific ranking of the candidate’s abstract and how it compares to other applicants. Abstract presenters for the Scientific Sessions will be notified in mid-August. Applicants can submit their applications before presenter notifications are received, but only those with accepted abstracts will ultimately be eligible to receive a travel grant.
Application Process: How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and entirely electronic. Candidates can apply for more than one travel grant, but they are eligible to receive only one. The application file should include the candidate’s curriculum vitae and bibliography, an unpublished abstract submitted to the Scientific Sessions, and a letter from the candidate’s supervisor or an appropriate institutional officer indicating the applicant’s status.
To access the Council Awards Application System, applicants need a username and password set up through online profile registration at Professional Heart Daily. AHA Professional Membership is required for all applicants, and new members are advised to join at least one week before the application deadline.
The Prize: What’s in It for the Winners?
Each winner of the ATVB Scientific Sessions Travel Grants will receive a $500 grant to help offset the cost of attending the Scientific Sessions. Additionally, winners will receive one complimentary ticket to the ATVB Early Career Networking Reception and the ATVB Luncheon. Attendance at the Scientific Sessions and the council-hosted events is mandatory and will be verified before the grant is awarded.
Awardees will be notified in September and will be required to pay their registration for the meeting. This opportunity not only provides financial support but also offers a platform for early career investigators to showcase their research, network with peers, and contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular research.
