Quadri/Bavaria Innovation and Translational Research Award

About the Award

Named for surgeon-inventor Arshad Quadri and aortic surgery innovator Joseph Bavaria, this award supports cardiac surgeons, residents, trainees, research scientists, and other inventors in their pursuit of innovations in cardiac surgery to create better patient outcomes for those suffering from cardiac disease. The award focuses on basic and pre-clinical or translational research into heart failure secondary to heart disease, particularly the use of novel devices to lessen the burden of heart failure from end-stage valvular or other conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, heart valve device design and associated translational research related to function, physiology, and efficacy of novel heart valve devices.

Eligibility

• Cardiac Surgeon: Must have completed a program leading to certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or its equivalent outside the U.S., or will complete such training by the grant start date. Must be within seven years of their first faculty appointment. Exceptions for career interruptions (e.g., military service, health challenges, or family responsibilities) may be considered with prior approval.
• Research Scientist or Physician Scientist: Must hold a doctoral degree and have a faculty appointment or equivalent with demonstrated institutional commitment (e.g., salary support, research space) in an academic or not-for-profit institution. Fellows and PhD post-docs are eligible only if their Department Chair assures promotion to faculty status by the award start date.
• Resident: Must be working in a cardiac surgical clinic or laboratory research program and have not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training.
• General Surgery Trainee or Cardiac Surgery Trainee: Must intend to pursue a career in investigative cardiac surgery.

Award Amount

$40,000 per year, for up to two years ($80,000 total).

Application Requirements

• Biographical Information
• Lay Summary: 750 words or less
• Career Goals: 200 words or less
• Career Development Plan and Environment: 1,400 words or less
• Specific Aims: 750 words or less
• Background and Significance: 700 words or less
• Research Plan: 3,500 words or less
• Budget and Justification: 1,400 words or less

Required Application Materials

• Applicant CV
• Mentor CV
• One (1) Letter of Support from Mentor, confirming:
  • Availability of adequate training environment/educational experience
  • Agreement to serve as mentor
• One (1) Letter of Support from Department Chair, Employer, and/or Program Director. If the applicant is a Resident, a letter from their Residency Program Director is required.
• Budget (approximate breakdown of funding costs)

Mentor/Convenor

The applicant is responsible for selecting their mentor and securing a position with the mentor at the host institution.

Timeline

• Application Open: July 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
• Grant Period: July 1, 2027 – July 1, 2029
• Applicants Notified of Award or Regrets: December 2026 - January 2027