Young Investigator Awards

The ACC is now accepting submissions for the Young Investigator Awards (YIA) for ACC.26. The YIA competition provides young scientific investigators of promise with an opportunity to present their cutting-edge research.

At ACC.26, five finalists will battle it out in each of three categories:

• Basic and Translational Science
• Clinical Investigations
• Outcomes Research

In each category, the winner receives a $2,000 prize, the runner-up receives $1,000 and 3 honorable mentions each receive $500. All 15 finalists receive complimentary registration and up to $1,500 in reimbursement to attend the YIA competition in New Orleans.

Eligibility Criteria

• Physicians, medical students, scientists and other healthcare providers currently in residency or fellowship programs or no more than three years out of training as of the start of ACC.26 on March 28, 2026.
• PA, PhD, PharmD or DNP candidates who are no more than three years out of training as of the start of ACC.26 on March 28, 2026.
• Note: Candidates will be eligible for this award up to four years after completion of training if more than three months of family or sick leave was taken during training or in the first three years after completion of training.

YIA Categories and Descriptions

Basic and Translational Science
The primary objectives of submissions to this category should relate to molecular or physiologic mechanisms of disease or treatment. This category includes studies that utilize human tissue or animal models to address mechanisms of disease or mechanisms of action of therapies, as well as basic studies examining fundamental aspects of molecular and cellular regulation. Human studies using molecular physiologic or biochemical approaches that focus on the interface between basic and clinical aspects of cardiovascular disease should also be submitted here.

Clinical Investigations
The primary objectives of submissions to this category should be applicable to clinical medicine in patients. Studies suitable to this category include a broad range of approaches such as observational cohort studies, biomarker studies, imaging studies or small clinical trials, with study endpoints that may range from clinical outcomes to in-vivo physiologic assessments.

Outcomes Research
The primary objectives of submissions to this category should address topics relevant to health outcomes, health service research, quality of care, population health or epidemiology. This includes research that results in innovative healthcare delivery, the value of new or repurposed system/clinical practices, cost effectiveness and population genetics/genetic epidemiology.

Need Support Selecting a Category?
Clinical pharmacogenomic studies testing a specific treatment approach in patients and comparing clinical endpoints is best suited for Clinical Investigations; studies focusing on discovery or the mechanisms of pharmacogenomic interactions is best suited for Basic and Translational Science; studies assessing the associated cost savings and population impact of a proposed pharmacogenomic strategy are best suited for Outcomes Research.

There may not be a single best category for your work; therefore, if you are unsure, use your best judgment. The YIA Committee has the option of moving the submission to a different category if during the review process they find it is better suited to another group.