2027 Cardiovascular Symposium
A joint meeting with the University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Cardiovascular Symposium brings investigators, clinicians and trainees together across institutions to exchange emerging science, examine pressing challenges in cardiovascular medicine and develop collaborations that advance cardiovascular research and health.
The third annual symposium brings the University of Arizona together with the University of Alabama at Birmingham for themed scientific sessions, early-career presentations, a trainee poster competition and dedicated opportunities to build collaborations across institutions and career stages.
Where discovery meets cardiovascular care
Progress in cardiovascular medicine depends on ideas moving in both directions—from laboratory discovery toward clinical application and from questions arising in patient care back to research. The symposium creates a shared forum for basic, translational and clinical investigators to challenge assumptions, exchange approaches and identify opportunities for collaboration.
2027 Keynote Speaker
Jianyi “Jay” Zhang, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Zhang studies how the heart’s energy metabolism is disrupted following heart attack and heart failure—and how stem-cell- and RNA-based therapies might regenerate functioning heart muscle. His laboratory uses large-animal models to help translate discoveries from the laboratory toward clinical trials.
Early-Career Investigator Competition
Selected predoctoral and postdoctoral investigators will present their research in dedicated scientific sessions evaluated by faculty judges. Awards will recognize outstanding presentations in basic and clinical research.
Trainee Poster Competition
Trainees will present their work during two judged poster sessions designed for scientific exchange and networking. Awards recognizing outstanding posters will be presented at the conference dinner.
Themed Scientific Sessions
Plenary sessions will connect basic discovery with translational and clinical research. Session themes, speakers and moderators are being developed jointly with UAB.
Conference Dinner and Awards
A ticketed conference dinner will bring participants together Saturday evening and conclude with awards recognizing outstanding early-career presentations and trainee posters. Registration details will be announced.
Program
The 2027 symposium will begin Friday morning with an early-career investigator session. The program will continue with the keynote address, themed plenary sessions across Friday and Saturday, a trainee poster competition and dedicated networking time.
The complete schedule, including session themes, speakers and times, will be posted as details are confirmed.
Past Symposia
2026 Symposium with Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
February 8–9, 2026
Keynote: Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD
Director, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Past President, American Heart Association
2025 Symposium with UT Southwestern
February 3–4, 2025
Keynote: Eric Olson, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Biology
Director, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center