image: SCAI Scientific Sessions 2026 & CAIC-ACCI Summit
Credit: Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology
MONTREAL – APRIL 25, 2026 – The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) today announced the recipients of the 2026 SCAI Early Career Research Grants (ECRGs), an initiative designed to support the next generation of academic interventional cardiologists. The announcement was made in conjunction with the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions & CAIC-ACCI Summit, held April 23–25 in Montréal, Canada.
Now in its fifth year, the program provides critical early-stage funding to junior investigators pursuing high-impact research in coronary, peripheral, and structural heart disease. Each recipient receives one year of research support and the opportunity to present their findings at a future SCAI Scientific Sessions.
“These grants are an investment in the future of interventional cardiology,” said Binita Shah, MD, FSCAI, Chair of the SCAI Scientific Oversight Committee. “The Early Career Research Grant program supports innovative ideas and helps promising physician-scientists build the foundation for careers dedicated to advancing patient care through research, education, and clinical excellence.”
SCAI-Abbott Early Career Research Grant ($62,000)
Study Title: “Patterns of Use, Outcomes, and Disparities in Below-the-Knee Peripheral Artery Intervention Using Bioresorbable Scaffolds in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)”
SCAI-Edwards Lifesciences Early Career Research Grant ($70,000)
Study Title: “Life Expectancy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Analysis of the STS/ACC TVT Registry”
SCAI-Medtronic Early Career Research Grant ($45,000)
Study Title: “Angiography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve to Reclassify Coronary Disease Severity and Revascularization Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndromes”
“Investing in early-career investigators is essential to the long-term strength of interventional cardiology, particularly at a stage when funding can make the greatest difference,” said SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI. “Programs like the Early Career Research Grants give young interventional cardiologists the support they need to pursue meaningful scientific questions, build research skills, and grow into the leaders who will drive innovation and improve patient care in the years ahead.”
The SCAI Early Career Research Grant program is open to members within ten years of completing an interventional cardiology fellowship. Applications undergo blinded review by the SCAI Scientific Oversight Committee and are evaluated based on significance, innovation, feasibility, and relevance to current clinical priorities.
Unrestricted educational grants from Abbott, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic support these research awards. No in-kind commercial support was received.
Recipients will present the results of their research during a future SCAI Scientific Sessions and are encouraged to submit their findings for publication in JSCAI, the official journal of SCAI.
About SCAI Scientific Sessions 2026
The SCAI Scientific Sessions annual meeting convenes nearly 2,000 of the world’s premier clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. With 500+ faculty and hundreds of abstracts, experts in the field work together to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. Highlights include live cases, featured clinical research, new SCAI clinical documents, case-based learning, and keynote speakers. For more information, visit https://scai.org.
About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI)
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease.
For more information about the SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions, visit https://www.scai.org/education-and-events/events-schedule/scai-2026-scientific-sessions-caic-acci-summit. Follow @SCAI on X for the latest heart health news and use #SCAI2026 to follow the latest discussions.