Edwards Lifesciences Travel Grant
Call for Abstract
HVDF 2026 Annual Meeting Travel Award
Sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences APAC Education Grant
The Heart Valve Disease Forum (HVDF) 2026, in partnership with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), is pleased to offer Travel Awards sponsored by the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.
These awards are designed to support healthcare professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are actively engaged in the care of patients with heart valve disease and who are presenting their research at HVDF 2026 with STS, to be held on September 10–11, 2026, at LOTTE HOTEL Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The program provides travel support of up to USD 1,480 to facilitate participation in the meeting and to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise in heart valve disease across the Asia-Pacific region.
These awards are designed to support healthcare professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are actively engaged in the care of patients with heart valve disease and who are presenting their research at HVDF 2026 with STS, to be held on September 10–11, 2026, at LOTTE HOTEL Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The program provides travel support of up to USD 1,480 to facilitate participation in the meeting and to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise in heart valve disease across the Asia-Pacific region.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be the presenting author of an accepted oral presentation, video case, or poster
- Be a healthcare professional involved in the management of heart valve disease, including:
- Cardiac surgeons
- Interventional cardiologists
- Practice in an eligible Asia-Pacific country
- Applicants from South Korea, Japan, and Mainland China are not eligible
- Applicants from Hong Kong are eligible
- Be registered for HVDF 2026 and attend the meeting in person
Award Support
Each award provides support of up to USD 1,480 to cover:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare
- Accommodation during the meeting
- Conference registration fee
Please note:
- Eligible travel dates are September 9–12, 2026
- Travel should occur within 24 hours before the meeting, without early arrival or extended stay
- Award amounts may vary according to travel distance and the total number of successful applicants
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Copy of the accepted abstract
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or biosketch (maximum 2 pages)
- Copy of passport
- Economy-class airline itinerary or e-ticket receipt (eligible travel dates: September 9-12, 2026)
- Hotel accommodation receipt covering September 9–12, 2026
- All travel documents and receipts must be issued in the applicant's name
- Proof of trainee or early-career status (if applicable)
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the HVDF Scientific Program Committee.
Selection will be based on:
- Scientific quality of the submitted abstract
- Potential impact of the award on improving cardiovascular care in underserved communities
- Overall alignment with the mission of promoting equitable access to high-quality heart valve care throughout the Asia-Pacific region
Application deadlines: August 2 (Sunday), 2026, 23:29 KST (GMT+9)
Notification of awardees: To be announced
All applicants will receive an email notification of the selection results from the HVDF Secretariat prior to the annual meeting. For further information regarding the Travel Award or the application process, please contact the HVDF Secretariat at secretariat@valveforum.org
