The William A. Zoghbi Global Research Initiative, supported by the American College of Cardiology Foundation alongside distinguished contributors including William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC, Bayer, Wael Al Mahmeed, MD, FACC, and a philanthropic gift from Raghib Hussain in honor of Jamal S. Rana, MD, PhD, FACC, is designed to advance cardiovascular science globally. The initiative serves as a strategic platform to support early-stage and mid-career investigators conducting innovative research aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes.

The programme is positioned as a global accelerator for research excellence, particularly targeting underserved regions and under-resourced healthcare systems. It prioritises scientific innovation that translates into measurable improvements in patient care, health systems, and population-level cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose and Research Focus

The initiative provides structured financial support for one-year research projects across the full spectrum of cardiovascular medicine. Each selected project is intended to contribute meaningful evidence that can influence clinical practice, health policy, or system-level improvements.

Key areas of focus include:

Heart failure research, with two dedicated awards

Cardiometabolic health, with two dedicated awards

Broad cardiovascular care innovations, with three flexible awards across any subspecialty

Research proposals are strongly encouraged to address real-world challenges in cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Priority is given to studies that introduce novel pathways, interventions, or models of care that can be applied in specific communities or patient populations.

Additional emphasis is placed on:

Outcomes-based research evaluating mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare costs

Quality improvement initiatives within clinical or health system settings

Studies addressing disparities in cardiovascular care based on gender, race, geography, or socioeconomic status

Eligibility Criteria

The awards are open to cardiovascular clinical investigators residing outside the United States, with preference given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries. Eligible candidates must be affiliated as either:

ACC International Fellows

ACC International Associates

Individuals who have successfully completed the ACC Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination (CCKE)

Preference is given to candidates with approximately five to ten years of post-training clinical research experience, reflecting a focus on developing academic independence and leadership in cardiovascular investigation.

Applicants must also maintain active membership within the ACC at the time of award acceptance.

Selection and Evaluation Process

Applications are reviewed by the ACCF Research Fellowship Awards Committee. Selection is competitive and based on a multi-dimensional evaluation framework.

Key evaluation criteria include:

Scientific merit and originality of the proposed research

Alignment with the initiative’s cardiovascular research priorities

Applicant’s academic qualifications and demonstrated commitment to research

Strength of the institutional and academic environment supporting the project

Clarity of career trajectory and long-term professional goals

The review process ensures that selected projects demonstrate both methodological rigor and meaningful potential impact on cardiovascular health outcomes.

Award Structure and Funding

The initiative offers a total of seven research awards annually, each valued at $25,000. The funding supports a one-year research period running from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.

Funding distribution includes:

Two awards dedicated to heart failure research

Two awards dedicated to cardiometabolic health research

Three awards for broader cardiovascular research topics

The funding is intended to support research execution, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must submit complete applications by June 8, 2026. Submissions must be in English or accompanied by certified translations where necessary. All associated costs for document preparation and authentication are the responsibility of the applicant.

Required application materials include:

Completed application form

Research proposal (maximum five pages)

Updated curriculum vitae

Two letters of recommendation (from mentors, FACC members, or institutional leaders)

Summary of current and previous research funding, including:

Funding organisation

Award amount

Duration of funding

Valid identification document for residency verification

Applicants are encouraged to review the official Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document prior to submission to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Award Administration and Contact Information

The programme does not charge an application fee. Successful applicants are notified following committee review and selection.

For inquiries, applicants may contact the programme administration via:

All communication and application materials are managed through the ACC’s global awards infrastructure based at Heart House in Washington, DC.

Summary

The William A. Zoghbi Global Research Initiative represents a significant investment in advancing cardiovascular research capacity worldwide. By supporting investigators from diverse geographic and economic backgrounds, the programme strengthens global scientific collaboration and fosters innovation in cardiovascular medicine. Its structured funding model, rigorous selection process, and emphasis on health equity position it as a key driver of research development within the international cardiology community.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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