[American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org)

December 2026 (Proposal/full application deadline, projected)

$77,000/year (including 10% indirect costs), up to $231,000 total over 3 years (non-renewable)

Supports early-career professionals in cardiovascular and brain health research, emphasizing mentorship and training for future research independence.

--- ## Description This program is designed to support highly promising early-career healthcare and academic professionals as they establish themselves as independent research scientists in cardiovascular and brain health. The award provides funding for innovative research or pilot studies that generate preliminary data and essential training, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and a structured career development plan. Recipients benefit from a multidisciplinary mentoring team, opportunities for professional growth, and collaboration options through specific co-funded partners. The ultimate goal is to enhance research skills, career trajectories, and competitiveness for future funding in the field. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated/projection for proposal/full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $77,000 per year (includes up to 10% institutional indirect costs) - Maximum duration: 3 years (non-renewable) - Total award: Up to $231,000 - Funds may be used for PI and mentor salaries (consistent with effort), technical personnel, supplies, equipment, travel (including international), subject costs, data management, and publication costs. - NIH salary cap does not apply. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, DO, DVM, DDS, or equivalent doctoral degree. - Postdoctoral fellows may apply but must hold a faculty appointment by award activation. - At award activation, applicants must hold a faculty/staff position up to and including assistant professor (or equivalent). - No more than six years may have elapsed since the first faculty/staff appointment at the assistant professor level or equivalent. - Must devote at least 10% effort to the award. - Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold eligible visas/status (including E-3, H1-B, O-1, TN, DACA, and others; see full list in program guidelines). - AHA research awards are limited to U.S.-based non-profit institutions. - Applicants must be American Heart Association Professional Members at the time of submission; mentors are also expected to maintain membership. - Not eligible if previously awarded an AHA Career Development Award or AHA Scientist Development Grant, or if holding an NIH K99/R00 or R01 grant. - May concurrently hold certain NIH K awards (except K99/R00) if no budgetary overlap. - Only one application per deadline allowed; up to two resubmissions permitted. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [ProposalCentral](https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/aha-proposalcentral). - The system opens approximately 8 weeks before the deadline. - All submissions require institutional representative signature. - Required components: - Structured mentoring team (primary and secondary mentors required, up to two additional mentors allowed; at least one mentor must be external to the applicant’s department/division/institution). - Comprehensive career development plan (max 3 pages) outlining goals, metrics, training, and assessment checkpoints. - Research plan (limit: 8 pages). - Letters of support from all mentoring team members. - Biosketch with statement on contribution to a safe and inclusive work environment. - Disclosure required if large language models/AI tools are used in proposal preparation. - Early submission is encouraged; late proposals are not accepted. --- ## Additional Information - The award is non-renewable. - Up to three applications (original plus two resubmissions) are allowed per applicant. - Awardees may hold certain other AHA awards concurrently; see program guidelines for details. - Peer review emphasizes the quality of the mentoring team, career development plan, research environment, and innovation. - Special opportunities for collaboration may be available via co-funding partners. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/aha-funding-opportunities/career-development-award) - [AHA Application Resources](https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/application-resources) - [AHA Policies Governing Research Awards](https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/awardee-resources/policies-governing-all-research-awards) - [AHA Professional Membership (Join/Renew)](https://professional.heart.org/en/professional-membership/become-a-member?promoCode=2025EW68_Research_Home_Page) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [AHA Contact Page](https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/contact-us) | | Application Assistance | [apply@heart.org](mailto:apply@heart.org) | | Phone | +1 800-242-8721 | ---

Career Development Award - American Heart Association

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