TSF Research Award Grant

TSF Research Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Thoracic Surgery Foundation
Amount: Up to US $170,000
Last Updated: March 15, 2026

Summary

The TSF Research Award supports early-career cardiothoracic surgeons with original research projects, offering up to $85,000 per year for two years. This funding is intended for direct research expenses, including salary and supplies. Eligibility is limited to those within seven years of their first faculty appointment, with considerations for extraordinary circumstances. Awardees may seek additional funding, but must protect 30% of their time for research. The foundation prioritizes innovative and impactful projects in cardiothoracic surgery.

Overview

Purpose This grant is for cardiothoracic surgeons who have completed their formal training and are seeking initial support and recognition for their original research project. Awards of up to $85,000 per year for up to two years are granted to support the work of an early-career cardiothoracic surgeon. The awarded funds must be used solely for the direct expenses related to the proposed research project, including salary, services, and supplies; no additional funds will be provided.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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 in a country outside of the United States, or who will be certified by the grant start date (July 1, 2025), and who is within seven years of their first faculty appointment.Extending applicant eligibility beyond seven years of their first faculty appointment may be considered under extraordinary circumstances. Examples includecareer interruptions caused by military service, health challenges, or unusual family responsibilities. Exceptions must be requested in writing and approved by the President of the TSF Board of Directors prior to the application deadline.TSF recognizes that the support provided by a TSF Research Award may not be sufficient to fully fund the operational costs of your research project. Therefore, TSF research awardees are permitted to secure other research grants to supplement a TSF Research Award, but faculty are expected to have 30% of their time protected for research pursuits. Application for other external (e.g. NIH, DOD, AHRQ, PCORI, or other foundation grants) support during the TSF award period is encouraged. If an awardee receives additional funding during the period of a TSF award, the TSF funding will be managed administratively on a case-by-case basis; a TSF awardee is obligated to notify TSF in the event of such an award. Note that receipt of a faculty career development award (e.g. K08, K23) or R01-level or equivalent grant prior to applying for a TSF Research Award will weigh heavily against an applicant’s candidacy in the absence of extenuating circumstances.

Ineligibility

The award is not to be used to cover indirect expenses, fringe benefits, or expenditures that are not related to the project.