Young Investigator Awards (YIA)

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.27-WCC on April 10, 2027.
• PA, PhD, PharmD or DNP candidates who are no more than three years out of training as of the start of ACC.27-WCC on April 10, 2027.
• 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?

A clinical pharmacogenomic study testing a specific treatment approach in patients and comparing clinical endpoints is best suited for Clinical Investigations; a study focusing on discovery or the mechanisms of pharmacogenomic interactions is best suited for Basic and Translational Science; a study assessing the associated cost savings and population impact of a proposed pharmacogenomic strategy is 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 during the review process.