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Surgical Investigator Program

Program Overview

The Surgical Investigator Program supports clinical and translational research by young cardiothoracic surgeons, including topics related to quality and outcomes research, and studies of new and innovative therapies, procedures, and technologies in cardiothoracic surgery. While this program is designed to support early-career development, in 2021, the AstraZeneca sponsored Surgical Investigator award has been specifically designated for mid-career clinical scientists, detail below.

Spring 2021 Available Awards
AstraZeneca Surgical Investigator Award
Awards up to $100,000 annually (for up to two years) to support research proposals focused on the treatment of lung cancer, either in terms of basic science advances, surgical outcomes or the development of quality initiatives. Proposals could be focused on topics such as the following:
  • Patient reported outcomes after surgery, specifically as they relate to disease free survival or recurrence.
  • Pre- and post-operative molecular testing.
  • Optimization of staging and or definition of surgical quality metrics.
  • Prognostic biomarkers in patients with surgically resected lung cancer.
View previous Surgical Investigator Award recipients

Application Guidelines

  • Applications for the AstraZeneca award requesting up to $100,000 per year for up to two years are preferred, shorter term requests are permitted. For requests of more than one year, a progress report and request for additional funding are required prior to the end of the originally funded year. Additional funding will be made after review of the progress report.
  • The purpose of this award is to fill the gap in funding opportunities of mid-career thoracic surgery physician scientist who are beyond the initial phase of their career and not eligible for most (if not all) other foundation grants.
  • The funding is to be used for initial support or for bridge funding for the continuation of a project between grants. Preliminary data and publications in the area of research will be required to assess feasibility.
  • All applications will be subjected to a rigorous peer-review process which will be established and overseen by the program's Review Committee.
  • If selected, the award will be paid to the successful applicant’s institution for support of salary, research supplies, travel, and other legitimate academic expenses.
  • The funding is to be used for initial support or for bridge funding for the continuation of a project between grants. Preliminary data and publications in the area of research will be required to assess feasibility.
  • After the research has concluded, investigators are 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:
  • 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;
  • Must have a current academic or hospital appointment at a U.S. or Canadian institution;
  • Must have completed their cardiothoracic residency;
  • Eligibility is for surgical investigators 8-12 years out from their cardiothoracic surgery training, however, candidates who exceed this range are still able to apply;
  • Must have evidence of previous independent peer-reviewed grant support in the area of application (preferred but not limited to: Federal NIH R-grant, DOD or VA Merit).

Application Process

Candidates will be required to submit the following materials within their online application:
  • NIH format Biosketch with other support, including previous grant funding;
  • Description of the proposed research, including background, specific aims, significance, and research plan (5 page limit);
  • Description of research facilities;
  • Detailed budget (up to 10% of the total funding can be used for indirect costs and/or overhead assessments);
  • Disclosure of other currently funded research projects and pending applications for support;
  • Letter of support from the 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 reprint;
  • Second most significant reprint;
  • One page statement describing the relationship of the proposed research to the applicant’s career goals.

Completion of Program

At the conclusion of the program, a final report must be submitted, highlighting all activities and the advances achieved. The recipient will also work closely with AATS Foundation staff to determine ways to share details with a larger audience. 

Apply Now

The deadline to apply is July 1 by 11:59PM (EDT).

Suggestions and Guidelines for Year One Progress Report:

  • Briefly list the specific aims of the project.
  • Indicate what you expected to have done at this point in the project cycle.
  • Describe the barriers to progress to-date.
  • Update your project plans for the second year.
  • Indicate how you expect to continue or complete this research project.
  • Describe plans to submit a manuscript/grant proposal or some other tangible mark of progress in the coming months.
  • If available, submit any tables, figures or graphics from a report or paper you are working on.
  • Feel free to add any additional information that will support a second year of funding.