Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) Resident Research Award

Through the generosity of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA), this award provides up to $40,000 per year for up to two years to support the research fellowship of a resident in general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery who has not yet completed cardiothoracic surgical training. The resident will work in a cardiothoracic surgical clinical or laboratory research program. STSA membership is not required, but applicants must meet STSA membership eligibility requirements.

Purpose

These awards are designed to provide salary and/or direct experimental support for surgical trainees who wish to acquire investigational skills. No additional funds will be paid out for indirect, fringe, or other expenditures. Emphasis for selection is placed on the potential of the applicant, based on prior accomplishments, and the quality of the educational experience. Particular weight is given to:

• Supervisory interaction in preparation of the application
• The extent to which research training and a productive educational experience is convincingly described
• The training environment
• The probability of successful project completion
• The importance of the educational effort toward the advancement of cardiothoracic surgery

Eligibility

• General surgery or cardiothoracic surgery trainees who intend to pursue a career in investigative cardiothoracic surgery
• Trainees whose program director indicates the applicant will have not less than 80% protected time for research
• Residents who have not yet completed their training but wish to acquire an investigative education with a specified mentor
• Applicants currently practicing or enrolled at a program in one of the following states or regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories and commonwealths in the Caribbean

STSA membership is not required.

Award Amount

The STSA Resident Research Fellowship provides support of up to $40,000 per year for up to two years. Requests for a single laboratory year are discouraged unless it represents the second of two consecutive research years. If two years of funding are requested and awarded, a progress report is required prior to release of payment for the second year. The applicant must present their research at the STSA Annual Meeting.

Awarded funds must be used solely for direct expenses related to the proposed research project, including salary, services, and supplies. The award cannot cover indirect expenses, fringe benefits, or expenditures unrelated to the project.

Required Application Materials

• Biographical Information
• Lay Summary
• Training Plan and Environment
• Specific Aims
• Background and Significance
• Research Plan
• Budget and Justification
• Literature references
• Applicant’s NIH Biosketch
• Mentor’s NIH Biosketch
• 2 Letters of Support (Department Chair and Mentor)
• Headshot Photograph
• Optional: Other relevant data, such as figures or additional letters of support

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