Webb Serves as AHA Affiliate Board Member, Committee Chair

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2012) — Nancy R. Webb, professor of internal medicine and member of the faculty of the University of Kentucky Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, has been appointed to the board of directors of the American Heart Association (AHA) Great Rivers Affiliate.

Webb is chair of the AHA Great Rivers Affiliate research committee. Under her leadership, the committee oversees the AHA's research portfolio in a five-state region including Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. One important function of the research committee is to allocate funds received from private donations to researchers within the region.

"The research committee takes this responsibility very seriously," said Webb. "Given limited resources, it is extremely important to fund the best science and the most deserving scientists possible."

To be considered for funding, scientists  must submit research grant proposals, which are evaluated by peer review commitees made up of established investigators. Research grants are ranked by the review committees based on their novelty, relevance and impact. Typically, 20 percent of grant applications are funded each year through a highly competitive process.

"One goal of the AHA is to support investigators early in their careers, at a time that is generally most challenging and critical to an individual's career. The AHA sponsors several programs targeting early-career investigators, including graduate students, to help ensure that high-quality heart disease and stroke research continues in the future," said Webb.

Members of the AHA Great Rivers Affiliate board of directors serve without compensation in volunteer leadership roles. Board members help ensure the financial solvency of the affiliate through oversight of business operations, policies, standards and long-range goals.

“We have an impressive group of community leaders on the committee who are committed to the AHA mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The committee represents core values of dedication, excellence, integrity and vision.  The expertise of each board member will help direct the Great Rivers Affiliate of the AHA in its goal to promote education and research in order to reduce death and disability due to diseases that impact millions of Americans,” said Webb.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Elliott, allison.elliott@uky.edu