Roberto Bolli, Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Vice Chair for Research in UofL’s Department of Medicine, has been named the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Achievement of the American Heart Association. The award will be presented during the June 23, 2010 Awards Luncheon in Dallas.

Bolli received the award in recognition of his pivotal role in developing the AHA Distinguished Scientist Award, which recognizes outstanding scientists in the field of cardiovascular medicine and stroke. Bolli conceived, designed, and led the development of this program, which has become one of the most highly visible recognitions bestowed by the AHA. Bolli served as Chairman of the Distinguished Scientist Task Force, which was charged with designing the recognition program, and then as Chair of the Distinguished Scientist Selection Committee, which was charged with selecting the first cohort of award recipients.

The Distinguished Scientist Award is viewed as the highest honor the AHA can bestow upon researchers in the cardiovascular community. It plays an important role in shaping the public perception of the AHA, in highlighting role models for future scientists, and in promoting the AHA as an organization that fosters excellence among the best and brightest scientists in the world. In leading the effort to develop this award, Bolli has been a passionate volunteer for the association, a major contributor, and a leader within the organization.

Over the past 20 years, Bolli has contributed enormously to the mission of the AHA, serving in numerous positions, including member of the Executive Committee of the Council on Circulation, Advocacy Coordinating Committee, Strategic Planning Task Force, Member Benefits Task Force, International Mentoring Task Force, AHA Fellows Task Force, Future of Scientific Sessions Task Force, Research Strategic Planning Task Force, Advertising Agency Selection Committee, National Research Committee, Committee on Scientific Sessions Program, Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee, Board of Directors, and  Nominating and Awards Committee. He has been Co-Chairman of the Scientific Conference of the Council on Circulation in 1998 and has been Chairman of the National Peer Review Committee, Reynolds Foundation Review Committee, Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences, and Council Operations Committee.