A new award established through a generous gift from William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC, former ACC president, will provide a springboard for innovative new research in countries outside of the U.S. that holds potential to improve the care and outcomes of patients living with cardiovascular disease. The "William A. Zoghbi International Research Award" will complement and support ACC's strategic efforts to accelerate the development and dissemination of cardiovascular education, research and on-the-ground initiatives in countries around the world.

"With the global toll of cardiovascular disease, there is a need for investigations in countries with high burden of disease that can impact health and outcome locally," said Zoghbi. "This award is a first step to help international cardiovascular investigators fulfill their research ambition and make a difference in their own community and beyond."

Specifically, the award will provide $25,000 for an innovative research project with the greatest potential to yield valuable findings or impact relevant current concerns in cardiovascular medicine in low- and middle-income countries. The inaugural recipient will be announced next year as part of ACC.24 in Atlanta, GA, with plans to grow the number of awards to two in subsequent years through additional fundraising efforts.

"The ACC thanks Dr. Zoghbi for this incredible gift that directly supports our Vision to create a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes," said ACC President Edward T. A. Fry, MD, FACC. "This award provides a unique opportunity for the ACC to help foster and grow the pipeline of global researchers, as well as the body of evidence available to truly advance solutions to heart health worldwide."

Zoghbi, a leading expert in cardiology, echocardiography and cardiac imaging, is currently the Elkins Family Distinguished Chair in Cardiac Health at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, professor of medicine, and chair of the Department of Cardiology at Houston Methodist. A longtime leader of the ACC and other global cardiovascular societies, he served as ACC president in 2012 and president of the American Society of Echocardiography in 2008. He has also served as board member of the World Heart Federation (WHF) and co-chair of the WHF Global Cardiovascular Disease Task Force.

"Having been involved in the ACC global mission and International Chapters since their inception, I have always been sensitive to the needs of cardiovascular clinicians outside of the U.S., where research and impact may be different and much needed locally," said Zoghbi. "This award will complement our ACC international endeavors and support researchers in their country, aiming for innovation and better health outcomes."