Vascular Research Initiatives Conference Trainee Award

Sponsored by SVS Foundation

The submission period is now closed.

The SVS Foundation supports this award for trainees to present their research at the annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC). Top-scoring abstracts submitted to the VRIC by trainees will be considered for the award.  

VRIC is uniquely designed to foster interaction among top scientists of diverse disciplines who are investigating peripheral vascular disease and its treatments. VRIC is dedicated to stimulating and encouraging interest in research among trainees who are aspiring academic vascular surgeons. The meeting's exclusive and intimate atmosphere allows for the free exchange of ideas and development of collaborative projects equally among senior and junior investigators. 

VRIC 2026 will take place on May 13, 2026, in Bellevue, WA at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. VRIC precedes the American Heart Association Vascular Discovery 2026 Conference at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, May 13-16, 2026. 

Eligibility

Currently enrolled as:

  • Pre-med Student; or
  • Medical Student; or
  • General Surgery Resident; or
  • Vascular Resident or Vascular Fellow

SVS Foundation is invested in a process that assures diversity, equity and inclusion for our award and scholarship opportunities. We encourage enthusiastic, eligible applicants from all aspects of gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity to apply.

Award Process

Abstracts submitted to the VRIC by trainees are scored by the SVS Basic and Translational Research Committee. Awardees will be notified of the Committee decision in March. 

Awardees will receive US $1,000 to support their expenses to attend VRIC.   

2026 Recipients

Majed Abdul-Samad
University of Toronto 
Abstract title: Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Macrophage Efferocytosis
Mentor: Kathryn Howe, MD, PhD
 
Apoorva Bhandari
Oregon Health & Science University
Abstract title: Beyond Deficiency: Genotype-Specific Extracellular Matrix Disruption in Vascular Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Mentor: Sherene Shalhub, MD, MPH
 
Erin Risotto-Urbanowicz
University of New Mexico
Abstract title: Dietary Ocean Nanoplastics Atherogenesis and Organ Accumulation Varies by Time and Diet Type in ApoE-/- Mice
Mentor: Rowza Rumma, MD
 
Sama Salih
University of Michigan Medical School 
Abstract title: The Histone Acetyltransferase MOF Regulates Macrophage Inflammation During Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development
Mentor: Frank Davis, MD

Contact

For questions, email SVSFoundation@vascularsociety.org or telephone 800-258-7188.

Thank you to our Supporters

This award is made possible through generous support from Gore.

Back to Top

Contact