Second John W. Kirklin Research Scholarship In 1985, the AATS established a two-year research scholarship awarded annually to a North American surgeon committed to pursuing an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery. Each year the Association honors one of the specialties major contributors to the science of cardiothoracic surgery through their efforts in basic and clinical research. This year’s scholarship recognizes the contributions of Dr. John W. Kirklin who also served as the 59th President of the AATS.

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery announces the Second John W. Kirklin Research Scholarship to provide an opportunity for research, training and experience for North American surgeons committed to pursuing an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery. The scholarship will be funded by the Graham Education and Research Foundation and administered by the Association.

The research program must be undertaken within the first three years after completion of an approved cardiothoracic residency. Applications for the scholarship must be submitted during the candidate's first two years in an academic position. The duration of the scholarship is to be two years.

The yearly stipend shall be $80,000 paid to the host institution for support of salary, research supplies, travel and other legitimate academic expenses of the scholar. The stipend is to be used for direct salary support and related research expenses only; it cannot be used to support indirect institutional costs.

1. The candidate must submit a proposal for the research to be undertaken and a statement of career plans and how the research activity will relate to the candidate's academic career.
   
2. The Director of the laboratory in the institution at which the research will be performed shall submit an endorsement of the proposal and indicate the facilities and degree of support available for the candidate's research.
   
3. The Chairman of the candidate’s department shall submit his or her endorsement of the proposal and confirm the candidate’s academic appointment.

The Scholarship will begin July 1, 2013 and conclude on July 1, 2015. The scholar shall submit an interim and a final written report of his/her research activities to the Council of the Association.

Applications will be available in January 2012.