On behalf of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences-North American Section (IACS – NAS) and the University of Louisville Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, it is a great pleasure to welcome you to this meeting, a premier gathering of cardiovascular scientists, clinicians, trainees, and students. This will be the 13th annual meeting of the IACS-NAS and will be held in conjunction with the Annual Symposium of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. The meeting will take place at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 10–12, 2026. We are thrilled to host this event in a wonderful setting that will foster innovation, collaboration, education, collegiality, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. 

The International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences has a long tradition of promoting excellence in cardiovascular research, education, and collaboration. Over the years, and across the world, IACS meetings have been marked by exquisite collegiality and unique warmth, serving as a vital platform to advance understanding of cardiovascular health and disease, while also supporting the next generation of scientists and clinicians through mentorship, networking, awards, and career development opportunities. The University of Louisville Cardiac Symposium has been a forum that brings together experts and trainees to discuss the latest and most topical issue in cardiovascular medicine. 

This conference in Louisville will continue these traditions by offering a warm, collegial atmosphere and a dynamic program that highlights the latest advances in cardiovascular science and therapy. From Plenary Lectures by world-renowned experts to poster presentations and award competitions, the meeting will cover a wide range of topics in science and medicine, including heart failure, inflammation, metabolism, epigenetics, and cardiac repair and regeneration, to name a few. 

This conference reflects the commitment of IACS-NAS and UofL to exploring innovative approaches to the prevention, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases. We are particularly excited to provide a platform for investigators and physicians to showcase their work, engage in scientific discussions, and build connections that will shape the future of cardiovascular science and medicine.