World Congress of Cardiology 2026

The World Heart Federation is proud to join the Brazilian Society of Cardiology for the 81st Brazilian Congress of Cardiology together with the World Congress of Cardiology on 8–10 October 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This Congress will bring together experts, researchers, clinicians, and leaders from around the world for an international exchange of science, innovation, and collaboration. By uniting diverse perspectives and experiences, we aim to highlight cardiology through a global health lens, foster innovative solutions, and contribute to a world where cardiovascular care transcends borders.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rio de Janeiro in October 2026.

Next steps:

• • • Registration Information
    • Registration Form
    • Speakers

REGISTER NOW

Registration price periods

Registration is now open, with rates increasing at several stages as the Congress approaches. WHF Members are entitled to two free registrations, contact us at membership@worldheart.org to claim them.

Travel Grants and Award Opportunities

The World Heart Federation (WHF) is offering a number of travel grants and award opportunities to support researchers in attending the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) 2026, held in conjunction with the Brazilian Society of Cardiology Congress.

These opportunities aim to enable participation from diverse regions, support emerging leaders, and strengthen global collaboration in cardiovascular health.

WHF Travel Grants are guided by the following principles:

• Equity: prioritising applicants from resource-limited settings
• Excellence: supporting high-quality scientific contributions
• Impact: enabling participation that advances cardiovascular health globally

In 2026, three opportunities will be available:

1. WHF Travel Grants for LMIC researchers (10 grants)
2. Travel Grants for Ghanaian researchers (up to 8 grants)
3. Schwarz Connell Family Innovative Investigator Award (1 award)

WHF is deeply grateful to partners and collaborators whose support makes these opportunities possible.

1. WHF TRAVEL GRANTS FOR LMIC RESEARCHERS

Ten travel grants will be awarded to researchers based in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) with abstracts accepted for presentation at WCC 2026.

Support may include:

• Contribution towards international travel
• Accommodation during the Congress
• Congress registration

 Eligibility criteria:

• Based in a low- or middle-income country
• Abstract submitted and accepted for presentation at WCC 2026 (presenting author)
• Indication of interest in the travel grant at the time of abstract submission

The top 10 ranked abstracts from eligible applicants will be selected.

No separate application is required. Applicants must indicate their interest via the abstract submission portal.

The value and administration of the grant will be confirmed upon notification (June 2026).

For enquiries: congress@worldheart.org

2. TRAVEL GRANTS FOR RESEARCHER FROM GHANA

Through a collaboration with the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, additional travel grants will be offered to Ghanaian researchers working in cardiovascular disease.

This includes:

• Researchers based in Ghana
• Ghanaian researchers based internationally

This initiative aims to:

• Strengthen participation from West Africa
• Support emerging leaders
• Increase representation from under-resourced settings

 Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Abstract submitted and proof of submission for WCC 2026
• Curriculum Vitae (2–3 pages)
• Motivation statement (career relevance and national impact)
• Letter of institutional endorsement

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a Ghanaian researcher (based in Ghana or abroad)
• Be affiliated with a recognised academic, clinical, or research institution
• Be an early- or mid-career researcher* or clinician active in CVD research
• Have submitted an abstract to WCC 2026
• Demonstrate alignment with priority CVD areas
• Commit to post-congress reporting and knowledge dissemination

 *Early career: ≤5 years post-terminal degree; Mid-career: 6–10 years post-terminal degree, without senior leadership roles.

Applications are completed via this form: https://crm.world-heart-federation.org/en/ssp/travel-grant-application-form-researchers-ghana

We warmly encourage you to share this opportunity within your networks and to support eligible colleagues in applying. This is a valuable chance to showcase Ghanaian research on a global stage and contribute to advancing cardiovascular health.

Should you have any questions, please contact science@worldheart.org.

The value and administration of the grant will be confirmed upon notification (June 2026).

Please contact the same address with any inquires.

 Deadline: 30 May 2026

3. SCHWARZ CONNELL FAMILY INNOVATIVE INVESTIGATOR AWARD 2026

For the second-year running, the Schwarz Connell Family Innovative Investigator Award will be awarded. This award was created in 2025 to support the participation of an early career investigator in the World Congress of Cardiology. The recipient this year will be a researcher from sub–Saharan Africa. This award is given to honour the accomplishments of Professor Jagat Narula, MD, PhD, MACC.

A grant of $3,000 USD will be awarded to the selected applicant to help cover travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to their participation in the World Congress of Cardiology 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This award recognises:

• Outstanding research
• Innovation in cardiovascular health
• Contributions to global cardiovascular prevention and care

Application and Selection Criteria

WHF will select the best candidate for the award from the pool of applicants with abstracts accepted for presentation at the World Congress of Cardiology 2026 according to the following criteria:

1. Resident or fellow in an accredited internal medicine, cardiology, lipidology, nephrology, or diabetes training programme in a sub-Saharan country.
2. Candidate is on an appropriate career trajectory dedicated to cardiovascular disease research or CV health promotion with a sensitivity to patient centric care and global health issues.
3. Candidate has applied and has an accepted presentation at World Congress of Cardiology (copy of abstract and proof of acceptance to be included).
4. Candidate has demonstrated tangible productivity (at least one authored publication in past two years).
5. Candidate will submit a curriculum vita (or NIH Biographical Sketch)as well as statement of motivation (Letter of Intent) clearly stating a rationale for participating in the World Congress of Cardiology.

Complete applications should be sent to science@worldheart.org by 23:59 CET on 30 June 2026. Please contact the same address with any inquires.