STS Research Award

About the Grant

This grant supports cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training and are seeking initial support and recognition for their original research project. Awards of up to $90,000 per year for up to two years are granted to early-career cardiothoracic surgeons. 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 unrelated expenditures.

Preference is given to clinical- or laboratory-based investigations likely to generate data that facilitates subsequent funding. Emphasis is placed on originality, logical project presentation, high probability of successful completion, and the importance of the work toward advancing cardiothoracic surgery.

If two years of funding are awarded, a progress report must be approved by the chairperson of the TSF Research Committee before the second year's payment is released. The highest-ranking application, as judged by a rigorous peer review process, will receive the STS Research Award designation.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a cardiothoracic surgeon who has completed a program leading to certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or its equivalent outside the United States, or who will be certified by the grant start date (July 1, 2026). Applicants must be within seven years of their first faculty appointment.

TSF research awardees may secure other grants to supplement funding but must have 30% of their time protected for research. Applying for external support (e.g., NIH, DOD, AHRQ, PCORI, or other foundation grants) during the award period is encouraged. If additional funding is received, TSF will manage the award administratively on a case-by-case basis, and awardees must notify TSF.

Receipt of a faculty career development award (e.g., K08, K23) or R01-level grant prior to applying may weigh heavily against candidacy unless extenuating circumstances exist. Extensions beyond seven years of the first faculty appointment may be considered for extraordinary circumstances, such as military service, health challenges, or unusual family responsibilities, with prior written approval from the President of the TSF Board of Directors.

Award Amount

Awards of up to $90,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support early-career cardiothoracic surgeons.

Evaluation Criteria

• Quality of the research (e.g., originality, feasibility)
• Expected research impact (e.g., importance of the research question, probability of meaningful progress or disruptive innovation in cardiothoracic surgery)
• Quality of the applicant and research environment

Required Application Materials

• Biographical Information
• Lay Summary of your Research Project
• Career Goals
• Career Development Plan and Environment
• Specific Aims
• Background and Significance
• Research Plan
• Budget and Justification
• Literature References (optional)
• Applicant’s NIH Biosketch
• Mentor’s NIH Biosketch
• 2 Letters of Support
• Budget
• Headshot Photograph
• Optional: Other relevant data (e.g., figures, additional letters of support)

Timeline

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