This research opportunity is designed specifically for residents and fellows, offering a small amount of funding to seed innovative projects related to hand surgery. The scope of the project is smaller, and the time to funding is faster than the traditional AFSH basic science and clinical research grants.
These grants function similarly to the NIH Small Research Grant Program (R03). The R03 grant mechanism supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. Learn more about the NIH Small Grant Program (R03).
Scope:
All proposals relating to any hand/upper limb project will be considered if eligibility requirements are met.
Special funding is available for projects submitted for the following special emphasis areas:
Grants mirror NIH R03 awards, funding pilot clinical or methodology studies that can expand into larger proposals
Successful applicants clearly emphasize data-driven, patient‑relevant clinical questions in hand and upper-extremity surgery.
Current AFSH calls highlight special emphasis on:
Emerging technologies (AI, new devices),
Health disparities in hand surgery,
Contracture treatments (from stroke, CP, trauma)
Projects directly in these areas receive priority consideration.
Grants support short-term, limited-resource projects (e.g., ≤2 years; preliminary data optional)
Success predictors include clear aims, achievable scope, and realistic timelines.
The $100K multicenter grants require collaboration across sites, indicating strength in establishing networks .
Backing via institutional letters, resources, and partnerships signals readiness.
Projects should aim to improve clinical care, measure quality, or support business/efficiency initiatives, especially in private practice settings .
Demonstrating potential for real-world application is a major competitive edge.
Alignment with ASSH’s goals—education, outreach, practice support, and advocacy, including serving underserved communities—strengthens proposals
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in study populations or implementation enhance competitiveness.
Practice grants require progress reports with measurable outcomes .
Providing specifics on metrics, accountability, and financial stewardship is critical.
For young investigator or resident/fellow grants, evidence of prior clinical or translational work—even at pilot level—is expected
Demonstrable ability to complete smaller studies is a key success marker.
✅ Summary of Success Predictors
Key Predictor | Description |
---|---|
Clinical focus | Pilot studies with patient-centered outcomes |
Priority alignment | Emphasis on AI, disparities, contractures, quality |
Feasibility | Clear aims, timelines, and modest budgets |
Support & collaboration | Institutional letters and multicenter structure |
Practice relevance | Potential to improve clinical workflow or quality |
Mission fit | Education, outreach, equity in health access |
Evaluation framework | Robust reporting and outcome measures |
Investigator promise | Early-career potential, pilot achievements |
💡 Application Tips
Use emphasis areas as your framing (e.g. AI-assisted rehabilitation, disparity analysis, contracture prevention).
Outline a crisp pilot study, including sample size, methods, and completion within one to two years.
Include institutional and/or multicenter letters verifying resource allocation and collaborative intent.
Detail logistics, including milestones, report schedule, and metrics for success.
Demonstrate alignment with ASSH values—mention outreach, education, or underserved populations in your narrative.
The selection of the research proposals for funding is made by the Research Management Committee with the approval of the Council of the ASSH and the AFSH Board. Selection is based on the merits of the proposal. Proposals that have already been funded from other sources will not be considered. Awards are made to universities, medical schools, research institutions, or individuals. Grants may be used for salaries of technical and professional assistants, purchase of supplies, or minor pieces of equipment. Grants may not support the personal compensation of investigators, travel for conferences, publication costs, the payment of hospital care for patients under study, the purchase of major pieces of equipment, overhead expenses or indirect costs.
RMC Review Policies
Funding Policies
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 822 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 880-1900 afsh@assh.org
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Jul 07, 2025
Aug 18, 2025
$5,000
Affiliation: American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Address: 822 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 880-1900 afsh@assh.org
Website URL: https://www.assh.org/afsh/s/resident-and-fellow-fast-track-grants
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.