IAS Inflammation Academy

Overview

The International Atherosclerosis Society Inflammation Academy aims to identify and develop promising early career researchers and physicians who have the capacity to become the next generation of key opinion leaders on the topic of inflammation in cardiometabolic disease.

Up to 30 attendees will be selected to participate in the year-long program. The first activity will be an in-person session, providing intensive face-to-face instruction to the cohort and setting the stage for the year ahead. The in-person session will take place on August 28, 2025 from 1pm – 7:30pm in Madrid, Spain. Faculty and attendees will come together for six hours, allowing time for introductions, instruction and discussion; and conclude with a networking reception.

In the course of the Inflammation Academy’s year, the IAS will host a series of interactive webinars open to the society’s global membership that focus on current issues or controversies related to inflammation to keep attendees engaged and abreast of the latest research findings and recommendations for optimal management of patients. Examples of topics include late-breaking clinical findings, hot topic publications, and expert speakers about emerging basic and clinical science. Participants themselves will work with course faculty to develop webinar content, providing them opportunity to contribute and develop leadership skills on the topic, foster the growth of mentor-mentee relationships, and present to IAS’ global audience.

Course and Faculty

IAS’ Immediate Past President Peter Libby, MD, will serve as the course director. Additional faculty will include:

• Cristina Izar, MD, PhD
• Wolfgang Koenig, MD
• Samia Mora, MD, MHS
• Jessica Peña, MD, MPH

Topics covered during the August 28 session will include:

• Topic 1: Inflammation, a driver of atherosclerosis: Basic mechanisms
• Topic 2: How do we assess inflammation in clinical practice?
• Topic 3: What clinical evidence implicates inflammation in atherosclerosis and its clinical complications?
• Topic 4: How can we lower inflammation in patients?

Application and Selection

To be considered for inclusion in the IAS Inflammation Academy, interested participants are invited to complete the application no later than July 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified by mid-July 2025.

Each attendee will be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable travel and accommodation costs up to $1,500 USD. Virtual attendance is not permitted. In accordance with IAS’ contract with Novo Nordisk, healthcare providers from the United States are permitted to attend, but are not eligible to receive funding in support of their attendance. 

Applicants must be under 41 years of age and should be medical doctors or researchers preferably with an MD degree or equivalent who have strong potential research or clinical interest oriented in particular to the role of inflammation as it relates to diagnosis, prevention, and management of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease.

The following documents must be included in the application:

• A signed letter of interest that outlines:
  • the applicant’s institution of affiliation
  • summary of relevant education and training
  • reason for wanting to participate in the IAS Inflammation Academy
  • any prior affiliation or collaboration with IAS, attendance at IAS programs or receipt of fellowship or grant support from IAS
• Curriculum vitae/resume that includes a description of the applicant’s:
  • education
  • pre and post graduate career experience
  • research experience
  • publications in peer reviewed journals
• High-resolution personal photo

The IAS Inflammation Academy is supported with an unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk. All program content remains fully under control of IAS.