Established Investigator Award Grant

The Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association supports established investigators at the associate professor level, emphasizing innovative research in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular sciences. With a budget of $80,000 per year and a maximum award of $400,000 over five years, it aims to enhance the careers of candidates demonstrating significant accomplishments and promising research directions. Eligibility requires a doctoral degree and a full-time faculty position, with specific criteria for appointment levels and funding history.

NOTE: Due to recent changes in federal funding for biomedical research, this program is on hiatus for the FY 25-26 year.
The purpose of the Established Investigator Award is to support established investigators at the associate professor level, who are in a rapid growth phase of their career, have established records of accomplishments and continue to show extraordinary promise. The investigator’s career is expected to clearly benefit from the EIA award. Candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular science disciplines that support the AHA’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, as indicated by funding and publication history and scientific accomplishments. Candidates should propose an innovative\novel research direction that challenges existing paradigms and employs novel concepts, approaches, or technologies.
Budget
Award: $80,000 per year, including 10 percent indirect costs (Indirect costs are not to exceed $7,273 per year)Aside from the cap on indirect costs, there is no limit on budget categories. Funds may be used as the principal investigator deems necessary, in accordance with institutional and AHA policies. AHA does not require use of the NIH salary cap.Budget items may include:salary and fringe of the principal investigator, any collaborating investigators, and other participants with faculty appointmentssalaries of technical personnel essential to the conduct of the projectsuppliesequipmenttravelvolunteer subject costsdata managementpublication costsWhile no specific minimum effort is required for the EIA program, the time committed should align with the proposed project. Special consultative services from individuals may be requested, provided the circumstances are fully described in the application. International travel is permitted without prior AHA approval.Award Duration: Five years; non-renewableMaximum Award Amount: $400,000

Eligibility

At the time of application, must have:MD, PhD, DO, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degreeFull-time faculty/staff scientist position or equivalent.NOTE: At the time of award activation must have an appointment at the ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LEVEL or equivalent (including, but not limited to, research associate professor, research scientist, staff scientist, etc.) and be no more than 15 years since first faculty appointment.History and current evidence of substantial extramural funding
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Join or begin the membership process well before the deadline. The AHA expects all mentors associated with training/mentored research awards to maintain active AHA membership, as well.

Ineligibility

Past EIA awardees are not eligible to reapply to this mechanism nor submit more than one proposal per cycle.Applicants for an EIA may hold an additional AHA research grant such as a Strategically Focused Research Project, IPA and/or TPA but cannot hold a career development/recognition award at the same time (i.e. Career Development Award or Merit Award).