Ottawa Cardiovascular Research Day 2026

Join us for this new edition of the Ottawa Cardiovascular Research Day, a landmark celebration of the region’s leadership in cardiovascular science. This event features dynamic oral presentations and interactive poster sessions, providing an exceptional platform for trainees to showcase their innovative research and connect with leading faculty and peers. 

  • Date: May 8, 2026
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: 40 Ruskin St. (University of Ottawa Heart Institute)

Program

Download the program (PDF)

Keynote Speaker

Farah Sheikh
Farah Sheikh, PhD 
Professor of Medicine
Director, BMS Graduate Program
University of California San Diego

Bench to Business to Bedside: A Journey Into Developing Precision Therapies for Genetic Heart Disease 

Inspired by personal experience, Dr. Sheikh's keynote will highlight how bench science, entrepreneurship and gene therapy can transform care for patients with inherited heart disease.

Watch Dr. Sheikh's Presentation »

Institute Awards

These awards recognize outstanding research students and fellows contributing to cardiovascular research in the Ottawa Region.

Presentation award recipients

  • Capital BioVentures Innovation Award Recipient: Salah Hussein Aly, BSc Candidate
  • Capital BioVentures Innovation Award – Runner Up Recipient: Saif Rjaibi, PhD Candidate

Basic Science Awards

  • Dr. Yves Marcel Award for the Best Basic Science Oral Presentation: Noor Ghadie, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Honourable Mention – Basic Science Oral Presentation: Ali Abdalbari, MSc Candidate

Best Basic Science Poster

  • Jerry Wang, PhD Candidate
  • Honourable Mention: Anastasia Fahlman, MSc Candidate

Clinical Science/Bio‑behavioural and Population Health Awards

  • Howard & Doris Polk Award for the Best Clinical Science / Bio‑behavioural & Population Health Oral Presentation: Sara Siddiqi, PhD Candidate
  • Honourable Mention – Clinical Science Oral Presentation: Tzlil Grinberg, MD, Clinical Research Fellow

Best Clinical Science/Bio‑behavioural and Population Health Poster

  • David Nelson, MD, Cardiology Resident
  • Honourable Mention – Clinical Science Poster: Faisal Ahmed, Medical Student

Patients’ Choice – Best Staff Poster Award Recipient

  • Alyssa Verebes‑Budge, Registered Nurse