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ASSH Clinical Grants

American Society for Surgery of the Hand

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand (AFSH) have established grant funding to encourage investigators to perform clinical research studies.

Our goal is to enable investigators to initiate pilot projects that will lead to subsequent funding from other sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The AFSH is committed to excellence in clinical research while maintaining the highest academic integrity and fiscal responsibility.

About Clinical Research Grants

These grants function similarly to the NIH Small Grant Program (R03). The R03 grant mechanism is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research that can be completed in a short amount of time with limited resources. These projects include, but are not limited to, pilot studies, self-contained research studies, or development of research methodology or technology. Preliminary data are not required but may be included.

See the NIH Small Grant Program page on the NIH website as background to learn more about the R03 grant mechanism

Example documentation from a successfully funded AFSH Clinical Research grant is available in the Apply section below.

Special Emphasis Notice

The AFSH is seeking grant submissions for the upcoming 2026 grant cycle in the following areas: using emerging technology (including AI), healthcare disparities in hand surgery, and contractures. Projects within these subject areas will receive special attention by the Research Management Committee.

Special Emphasis Areas

Emerging technology: Investigation of new technology/strategies, including AI, to improve clinical care and communication
Healthcare Disparities in Hand Surgery: Studies exploring interventions and solutions to improve care among under-represented and disadvantaged groups
Contractures: Investigation of treatment modalities, diagnostic tools and therapies to improve upper extremity contractures across a wide range of etiologies, including perinatal causes (cerebral palsy), post-traumatic, stroke and distinct pathologic entities such as Dupuytren’s

Special emphasis grants will be considered as part of the general pool of grant proposals reviewed this year. Proposals covering any topic related to hand/upper limb are welcome to apply.

Award

Up to $60,000 award ($30,000 annually) for one or two years, direct costs only
75% of grant award ($22,500 max) is awarded at the start of each grant year and final 25% ($7,500 max) is disbursed after the six-month progress report for each year has been reviewed and approved by the Research Management Committee.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1) Clear Relevance to Hand & Upper-Extremity Surgery

Projects must directly address hand/wrist/elbow/upper-extremity conditions, techniques, outcomes, rehabilitation, or patient safety/quality.

Predictor: Explicit linkage from aims → hand surgery practice or patient outcomes.

2) Right Fit for the Grant Mechanism & Career Stage

ASSH reviewers expect scope and sophistication to match the program:

Trainee awards → mentored, feasible projects.

Seed grants → hypothesis-driven pilots that can lead to NIH/DoD/VA funding.

Education grants → measurable learning or access improvements.

Predictor: Selecting the correct mechanism for your training level and project size.

3) Strong Scientific or Educational Rigor

For research grants:

Clear hypothesis, appropriate design, outcomes that matter to surgeons/patients.
For education grants:

Defined objectives, audience, evaluation metrics.

Predictor: Methods that are rigorous yet realistic for the award period.

4) Feasibility & Preliminary Rationale

Pilot awards don’t require extensive data, but plausibility matters:

Prior literature, pilot observations, or institutional capability.

Predictor: Reviewers can see the project finishing on time and on budget.

5) Mentorship & Institutional Support

Especially for trainees/early career:

Named mentor(s) with hand surgery expertise.

Letters confirming protected time, resources, and IRB readiness.

Predictor: Clear support that reduces execution risk.

6) Impact & Translation

ASSH values work that can change practice, improve outcomes, or enable larger trials.

Predictor: A concise plan for dissemination (publications, ASSH presentation) and next-step funding.

7) Membership & Engagement

Many programs require or favor current ASSH membership and engagement (abstracts, sections, meetings).

Predictor: Eligibility is met and commitment to the society is evident.

8) Clean, Compliant Application

ASSH is strict about format, page limits, budgets, and deadlines.

Predictor: Zero administrative issues.

🚫 Common Pitfalls

Projects only tangentially related to hand surgery

Over-ambitious aims for a one-year seed award

Weak mentorship plan or missing letters

Budgets not tied to activities (or including unallowable costs)

🧾 Quick Pre-Submission Checklist

Project squarely in hand/upper-extremity care or science

Correct award for your career stage

Feasible design + outcomes that matter

Mentor/institution letters included

Clear impact → next funding pathway

ASSH membership confirmed

Fully compliant submission

Specialties

Neurosciences

Surgery

Eligibility Requirements

Must have submitted Letter of Intent and received approval from the Research Management Committee prior to submitting a grant application (the LOI deadline is February 16, 2026, with approvals to be sent by March 9, 2026 via the AFSH grant portal).
Anyone may apply for a grant (including residents, fellows, and non-ASSH Members). However, an ASSH Active Member must be listed as one of the investigators or as a sponsor/adviser on the project.
Research Management Committee Chair and Research Division Director cannot apply for funding either as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or sponsor. RMC members, Chair, and Research Director are excluded from evaluation and discussion of applications with which they are connected.
There is no limit on the number of applications submitted from each institution but please note that a maximum of (1) Basic Science and (1) Clinical Research Grant may awarded per institution in a calendar year. Funding will be limited to one applicant per independent academic department.
PI may only submit one Clinical Research and Basic Science grant application per calendar year.
Resubmissions are allowed. If you are resubmitting your grant, please include a letter addressing how the proposal has since been revised.

Sponsor Details

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

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