[European Society of Cardiology](https://www.escardio.org)

April 27, 2026

€2,500 per award; two grants awarded annually; minimum 10-day stay required

Supports young cardiovascular scientists in Europe to establish new international research collaborations or acquire new skills through short visits abroad.

Applicants must be under 40, based at a European institution, and members of the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science.

--- ## Description The ESC First Contact Initiative Grant aims to foster new research collaborations and professional development for early-career scientists in basic cardiovascular sciences. The grant funds travel and a minimum ten-day stay at a host institution outside the applicant’s home country (can be within or outside Europe). Its purpose is to help young researchers either initiate long-term research partnerships that may lead to future fellowships or research positions, or to acquire skills beneficial to their career and home institution. The program is managed by the European Society of Cardiology’s Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science. --- ## Due Dates - Application period: March 20, 2026 – April 27, 2026 - Full application deadline: April 27, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Up to two grants of €2,500 each awarded annually - Funding covers travel and a minimum 10-day stay at the host institution - Successful applicants must use the funds within nine months of award --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be under 40 years old at the application deadline. - Must be actively involved in cardiovascular sciences. - Must be working at a European institution. - Must be a member of the [Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science (CBCS)](https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-on-Basic-Cardiovascular-Science-(CBCS)/Membership) (membership is free). - The host institution must be outside the applicant’s home country (can be within or outside Europe). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [My ESC portal](https://myesc.escardio.org/ESCApplications). - Required documents (to be uploaded as a single PDF): - A bio-sketch (max 2 pages) including: - Description of activity in cardiovascular sciences (max 300 words) - Project details (max 300 words) - Statement of intended use of the award and budget forecast (max 300 words) - Statement confirming funds will be returned if not used within nine months - One-page CV with publication list - Letter of support from the host institution - Letter of support from current supervisor or Head of Department - Written commitment to provide a detailed report after the visit - The application form is only visible during the application period and for eligible candidates. --- ## Additional Information - Only two grants are awarded per year, based on application quality. - Funds must be used within nine months; otherwise, they must be returned. - Recipients are required to submit a report on the outcome of their visit. - For examples of funded projects, see [previous grantee reports](https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-on-Basic-Cardiovascular-Science-(CBCS)/ESC-first-contact-initiative-grant-reports). --- ## External Links - [ESC First Contact Initiative Grant Program Page](https://www.escardio.org/data-science/supporting-your-research/research-grants-and-fellowships/esc-councils-grants/ESC-First-Contact-Initiative-Grant) - [CBCS Membership Information](https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-on-Basic-Cardiovascular-Science-(CBCS)/Membership) - [Online Application Portal (My ESC)](https://myesc.escardio.org/ESCApplications) - [Previous Grantee Reports](https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-on-Basic-Cardiovascular-Science-(CBCS)/ESC-first-contact-initiative-grant-reports) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Grant queries | [councils@escardio.org](mailto:councils@escardio.org) | | Data privacy requests | [dataprivacy@escardio.org](mailto:dataprivacy@escardio.org) | | ESC main phone | +33.4.92.94.76.00 | | ESC support | [ESC Contact Support](https://help.escardio.org/s/contactsupport) | ---

ESC First Contact Initiative Grant

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