Demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation in cardiovascular science and medicine, The Texas Heart Institute recently hosted the 11th Annual Meeting of the North American Section of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences (IACS-NAS) from September 19–21, 2024. The prestigious event welcomed and brought together over 160 researchers, clinicians and innovators from across the United States and Canada, to share knowledge, exchange ideas and learn about the latest advancements in cardiovascular science.

Joseph G. Rogers, MD, President and CEO at The Texas Heart Institute, and Ali J. Marian, MD, Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Genetics at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School, led the conference with the goal of advancing cardiovascular research and improving patient outcomes. Support and sponsorship were also provided by Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the IACS.

The IACS promotes international sharing of knowledge to advance cardiovascular education, research, and prevention. The scientists and physicians who attend the IACS-NAS meetings share a unified focus on improving the lives of patients with cardiovascular disease through cutting-edge research.

The conference opened with a special tribute to Dr. James T. Willerson, THI’s late President Emeritus, whose visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for cardiovascular research left a lasting legacy at The Institute. Presentations from world-renowned experts highlighted ongoing work in areas close to Dr. Willerson’s heart, including:

• Emerson C. Perin, MD, PhD, Director of THI’s Center for Clinical Research, who shared the latest developments in stem cell therapy for heart failure.
• James F. Martin, MD, PhD, Director of the Cardiomyocyte Renewal Lab at THI, who presented groundbreaking research on heart regeneration therapies.
• Robert J. Schwartz, PhD, from the University of Houston, who discussed innovative approaches for treating damaged hearts.

Longtime THI collaborator, Academic Professional Staff member, and expert on cardiac metabolism Heinrich Taegtmeyer, MD, DPhil, Professor of Medicine at UTHealth, accepted the prestigious IACS Medal of Merit for outstanding achievement in cardiovascular research and education.

“The conference truly showcased the incredible breadth of research happening in cardiovascular science today. The in-depth discussions and exchanges during the specialty sessions often spark collaborations that drive the field forward and, ultimately, lead to new and innovative treatment options for patients. It was a privilege to provide a platform for these meaningful interactions here at The Texas Heart Institute,” said Darren Woodside, PhD, Vice President for Research at The Texas Heart Institute and conference organizer.

The celebration was followed with two days of parallel scientific sessions, including poster presentations from researchers and trainees. Sessions covered the full spectrum of cardiovascular research, from discovery science and innovative engineering approaches to translational medicine to the latest in clinical trials.

The event concluded with a beloved IACS-NAS tradition—an elegant awards gala and dinner. It was the perfect capstone to three days of collaboration, inspiration, and celebration of the advancements in cardiovascular science that will shape the future of heart health.

“The Texas Heart Institute remains at the forefront of the global effort to combat cardiovascular disease, fostering innovation and collaboration that will improve lives for years to come,” concluded Dr. Rogers. “We look forward to one day offering the life-changing therapies that will result from the meaningful scientific interactions at this conference.”