Research Grants

The Early Career Advisory Committee of the CVRI offers a unique funding opportunity for Early Career investigators who are developing new skills and/or who are seeking a novel research experience aimed at developing a career in cardiovascular research.
two researchers in front of poster

Stay tuned for FOA!

Funding details and application instructions will be announced on November 1. The complete application is due Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Clinical, Translational, and Basic Science Research Grants

Award Goal
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  • To encourage and support early career investigators in cardiovascular research.

Eligibility
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  • Early career investigators at UVM who are working with a UVM mentor or an external (non-UVM) mentor
  • Early career investigators at external institutions who will be working with a mentor at UVM
  • For the purpose of this funding, early career investigators are considered to be:
    • Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students
    • 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year medical students
    • Postdoctoral fellows
    • Residents and clinical fellows
    • Faculty and Staff within 5 years of their first appointment
  • Research must be related to cardiovascular diseases (including stroke)
  • Research project must be able to be completed within 1 year
  • Mentor must perform cardiovascular-related research
  • Awards may be used to pursue training in an external (non-UVM) laboratory

  • Awards may not be used to attend conferences

     

Funding
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  • Applications requesting any amount up to $10,000 will be considered
  • Of the funded applications, one award will be appointed by the Board of Directors as the Martin M. LeWinter (MMLW) Early Career Investigator Award.  This honorary award represents a novel concept that has the potential to lead to a significant advance in fundamental knowledge about the nature of living systems and/or to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

Application Process
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Application opens - November 1, 2025

Complete application deadline - January 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM

Award Notice - May 1, 2026

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The CVRI Early Career Advisory Committee awarded funding to support the following 2025-2026 trainee research projects.

Andres Cordova Sanchez, MD

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Project: Using CHA₂DS₂-VASc to Predict Coronary Disease in Atrial Fibrillation

Martin M. LeWinter (MMLW) Early Career Investigator Awardee

Department of Medicine - Cardiovascular Medicine

Mentor: Mary Cushman, MD, MSc

Mikayla Howie, MS

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Project: Investigation into Cell-Mediated Immune Mechanisms and Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks of Preeclampsia in the Postpartum Period

Larner College of Medicine, Class of 2027

Mentor(s): Ira Bernstein, MD; Isha Vasudeva, MD

Ari Kropf, BS

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Project: Impact of Preeclampsia Severity on Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Treatment with Magnesium Sulfate and Dexamethasone

Department of Neurological Sciences

Mentor: Marilyn Cipolla, PhD

Daniel Penados, BS

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Project: DCBLD2 modulate vascular development through its tyrosine phosphorylation events

Department of Biology

Mentor(s): Brian Ballif, PhD; Alicia Ebert, PhD