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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.

View previous Surgical Investigator Program recipients

Application Guidelines

Please note the following guidelines when submitting a proposal:
  • Applications requesting up to $50,000 per year for up to two years will be welcomed, in addition to smaller short-term requests. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 or Canada;
  • Must have a current academic or hospital appointment;
  • Must have completed their cardiothoracic residency within seven years of application.

Application Process

Candidates will be required to submit the following materials within their online application:
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • 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.

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.