Supporting Long-Term Career Success for Cardiovascular Sciences Researchers
Apply for the FOCUS 2026-27 Cohort!
The application process is managed by the PRIME Coordination Core. Submit your pre-application today to get started! Complete application package is due March 1, 2026.
UC San Diego Future Faculty of Cardiovascular Sciences (FOCUS) program is a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) program for early career development, committed to research education and mentoring of early-career faculty in the fields of heart, lung, blood and sleep conditions.
The goal of the FOCUS program is to support long-term career success of junior faculty in cardiovascular sciences through research and career mentoring from world-renowned faculty at UC San Diego, professional development workshops, and more.
The program also offers training in grantsmanship through a grant writing course to accelerate the course towards successful production and submission of an NIH or equivalent grant.
The FOCUS program requires a one-year commitment in program participation with the following tentative timeline:
- Active participation in the Grant Writing Course: The course will start remotely prior to the Summer Institute I with weekly assignments due in June-July 2026
- Attendance at the Summer Institute I held July 26-31, 2026 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online - modality TBD)
- Attendance at the Mid-year Meeting in January 2027 (online)
- Attendance at the NHLBI Programs Annual Meeting in Bethesda, MD in spring 2027
- Attendance at the Summer Institute II in July 2027 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online - modality TBD)
*Please note that the program structure, modality, and timeline are subject to change. The program will be held either in-person or online; no hybrid option will be provided. All travel expenses will be paid by the program if in-person.
Review "Why Apply," "Expectations," "Eligibility," and "Research Tracks & Mentors" pages for additional information.
FOCUS is supported by NIH/NHLBI R25 HL145817 and UC San Diego Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences.
Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
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More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.