AATS Foundation Research Scholarship

Program Overview

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. The AATS Foundation's Research Scholarship provides one early-career investigator with a two-year grant of $80,000 each year to pursue research, training and clinical experience. This program is designed as an early-career development award for young surgical scientists. Successful applicants will receive complimentary registration to an AATS Annual Meeting where the will be recognized during the AATS Foundation's Reception.

View previous Research Scholarship recipients

Application Guidelines

Please note the following guidelines when submitting a proposal;

• All applications will be subjected to a rigorous peer-review process which will be established and overseen by the Program's Review Committee.
• 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.
• The Scholarship will begin July 1, 2021 and concludes on July 1, 2023. The scholar shall submit an interim and a final written report of his/her research activities to the Board of the Foundation.
• After completion of research, investigators will be required to submit a final report of their research activities and findings to the AATS Foundation Board.
• All publications emanating from the research must include acknowledgement of the award.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A candidate should have completed his/her formal training in cardiothoracic surgery and be certified or in the process of obtaining certification by the appropriate Thoracic Surgery Board in the United States, Canada or international equivalent;
• Applications for the scholarship must be submitted during the candidate's first two years in an academic position at a U.S. or Canadian institution;
• Candidates must have completed their cardiothoracic residency within 3 years of application.

Application Process

Applications for the Research Scholarship will be accepted annually. Candidates will be required to submit the following materials within their online application;

• Biosketch;
• Description of the proposed research, including Background, Specific Aims, Significance and Research Plan – 5 page limit;
• Description of research facilities;
• Detailed budget, including indirect costs;
• Letter of support from Surgical Chief or Director of laboratory where research will be conducted addressing his/her endorsement of proposal and feasibility of the research proposal being carried out;
• First most significant Publication;
• Second most significant Publication;
• One page narrative describing the relationship of the proposed research to the applicant’s career goals.

The deadline for this award passed on December 1st.