The 2016-2017 cohort marks the fourth year of the World Heart Federation Emerging Leaders programme and will focus on access to essential medicines. Applications are now open until 15 January.

The Emerging Leaders Programme has been created by the World Heart Federation to form and develop a long-term cadre of experts who collaborate, research, and act to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally by at least 25% by 2025 as targeted by the World Heart Federation and World Health Organization ('25by25').

The 2016-2017 cohort marks the fourth year of the programme and will focus on access to essential medicines. Previous cohorts have focused on secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, raised blood pressure, and tobacco prevention and control. The World Heart Federation aims to reach as many potential candidates as possible on a global basis. Candidates from academia, civil service, private industry and cardiovascular medicine are encouraged to apply. Candidates may be affiliated with a member organization of the World Heart Federation, but this is not mandatory.

All Emerging Leaders participants will be required to participate in online training, a five-day think tank seminar from 18 to 23 June 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa, and collaborative group work based on proposals developed during the seminar with seed funding support from the World Heart Federation from meritorious applications.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the application. Applications will be accepted until 15 January 2017. Announcement of 2016-2017 Emerging Leaders will take place 15 March 2017.

Please pass this on to any colleagues or networks you feel may be interested in becoming an Emerging Leader.

For more information please visit the Emerging Leaders website.