Early Career Investigator (ECI)
All of us at the early career stage face unique challenges, and the ISHR is committed to supporting and assisting us. The ISHR has made it a priority to promote training and career development opportunities for early career investigators (ECIs) in the cardiovascular sciences at all stages, from students, to post-degree fellows, to early and mid-level faculty.
ECI’s Goal
In the ISHR North American Section (NAS), we have formed an Early Career Investigator (ECI) group of junior and established cardiovascular researchers. Our mission is to promote career development and scientific interaction among all ECIs of the ISHR.
- The major goal of the ECI Committee is to develop a networking and professional development platform that brings together early stage investigators and established researchers in the field.
- At the annual ISHR NAS Meetings, the ECI Committee organizes a special ECI pre-conference day consisting of several events, including a scientific session, social event, and networking opportunities with senior investigators.
Upcoming Meeting
Long beach, CA
August 19-23, 2024
Registration and Abstract Submission will be open in 2024
- ECIs can submit abstracts for consideration for oral presentations of their work at this pre-conference session. The selection is based on the merit of the submitted abstract. Submit today!


Join Us On Social Media
The ECI Committee also maintains digital communities on platforms such as:
ECI Community

YICA Junior Awards 2023
Emma Robinson- Winner
Suraj Kannan-Finalist
Haofei Wang-Finalist

YICA Senior Awards 2023
Ben Kopecky –Winner
Xi Fang-Finalist
Joanne Garbincius-Finalist
ISHR NAS YOUNG INVESTIGATOR COMPETITION AWARDS (YICA)
NAS leadership and NAS awards will host the Young Investigator Competition Awards (YICA). In keeping with the mission of the ISHR NAS to foster the next generation of cardiovascular scientists, these prestigious awards are intended to highlight and support outstanding young investigators who have distinguished themselves for their scientific skills and accomplishments. We invite applications from graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.
After reviewing the eligibilities and requirements, a compiled PDF file should be submitted to kelleybrodsky.ishrnas@gmail.com.
Download YICA eligibilities and requirements
YICA reviewers 2023-2026
Pilar Alcaide |
Douglas Tilley |
Sumanth Prabhu |
Tim O'Connell |
Lorrie Kirshenbaum |
Nicole Purcell |
Garry Lopaschuk |
Federica del Monte |
Kika Sucharov |
Peipei Ping |
Kory Lavine |
Susmita Sahoo |
ECI Council Members
2022-2024 NAS ISHR ECI Committee

Ronald J. Vagnozzi, Ph.D.

Jessica Pfleger, Ph.D.
SECRETARY

Erik Blackwood, Ph.D.
VICE-CHAIR

Kika Sucharov, Ph.D.
COUNCIL LIAISON FACULTY ADVISOR

Rushita A. Bagchi, Ph.D.

Anja Karlstaedt, M.D., Ph.D.

Qutuba G. Karwi, Ph.D.

Julia C. Liu, Ph.D.

Catherine A. Makarewich, Ph.D.

Thomas E. Sharp III, Ph.D.

Michael Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
