Up to six unrestricted grants, inclusive of one Emerging Voices in Health Research Grant, will be awarded in 2027 to early-career investigators. All applicants must first submit a letter of intent. Individuals applying for the Emerging Voices in Health Research Grant may indicate their eligibility and interest within the letter of intent. International researchers are welcome to apply.
$40,000 for one year
Timeline
| Grant Portfolio Opens | January 20, 2026 |
| Letters of Intent Due* | March 11, 2026 |
| Invitations to Applicants | May 2026 |
| Full Applications Due | July 1, 2026 |
| Award Notification | September 2026 |
| Grant Start Date | January 2027 |
1. Strong alignment with ATS scientific priorities (highest predictor)
ATS explicitly funds research across its three core pillars:
Competitive proposals usually fit clearly into one of these and often focus on:
ATS notes that funded projects should offer novel approaches to challenging lung diseases and improve patient outcomes.
2. Innovation + scientific merit of the proposal
This is often the biggest determinant.
Strong ATS applications typically show:
ATS funds basic, clinical, translational, and public-health research, so both laboratory and patient-oriented studies can be competitive if the science is compelling.
3. Early-career investigator trajectory
ATS grants are heavily aimed at early-career investigators.
Strong applicants often demonstrate:
ATS eligibility specifically prioritizes investigators within roughly 0–10 years of terminal degree or training completion.
4. Strong mentorship and institutional support
A very important indirect predictor.
Successful applications usually show:
For junior faculty, a strong mentor letter can make a major difference.
5. Potential to generate future NIH or major external funding
ATS places strong emphasis on career development and research pipeline building.
Competitive projects often produce:
ATS reports that many funded investigators later go on to secure substantial NIH support.
6. Health equity / patient impact
This appears increasingly important in recent ATS cycles.
Especially competitive themes include:
Recent ATS awards specifically highlight health-equity research.
Applicants must be early-career investigators for all ATS Research Program grants unless otherwise stated.
ATS defines early-career investigators as individuals within 0-10 years of receiving their terminal degree (e.g., MD, PhD) or completing postdoctoral training, if applicable. For the current grant cycle, this means that you must have received your terminal degree or completed postdoctoral training no earlier than 2016.
In addition to early-career investigator status, the following eligibility requirements apply to all grants unless otherwise specified. Review partner grant descriptions for requirements that may be specific to those opportunities.
Applicants must:
ATS considers exceptions to the early-stage investigator requirement for extenuating life circumstances such as parental or military leave. Sub-specialty training is not considered an extenuating circumstance.
If you have extenuating circumstances not related to sub-specialty training contact us before beginning a letter of intent or application.
ATS Emerging Voices in Health Research Grant Eligibility
The ATS Emerging Voices in Health Research grant supports early-career researchers from groups that have faced challenges and obstacles to entry and advancement in medicine, research, and academic health professions.
Applications are encouraged from individuals who:
• are first-generation college graduates
• come from an economically disadvantaged background
• identify as women
• are living with disabilities
• may have lived experiences that reflect limited access to advancement opportunities
Through this grant, ATS aims to build a more inclusive, representative, and supportive professional community that reflects the diversity of the populations it serves.
International Applicants
The ATS defines international applicants as individuals not working at a US-based institution OR someone who does not reside or work in the United States.
ATS accepts submissions from international researchers unless otherwise specified. Review partner grant requirements, which may differ from ATS unrestricted and diversity grants.
ATS Policy on Grant Funding from Other Sources
Simultaneous submission of grants with scientific overlap to other funding agencies is allowed.
However, if multiple grants are funded, then the applicant must notify the Research Program within one month of formal award notification. A Scientific Grant Review Committee subcommittee will assess the degree of overlap. In the case of significant scientific overlap, the applicant will have to choose between the ATS research grant and the other grant.
Budgetary overlap is not allowed.
Applicants holding active career development grants (e.g., K award) are eligible to receive ATS funding, but the projects must be scientifically distinct.
Applicants with K99/R00 awards are eligible only if they are within the K99 phase of the award and the project is scientifically distinct.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Thoracic Society
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Church Street Station P.O. Box 3421 New York
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Jul 01, 2026
Jul 01, 2026
$40,000
Affiliation: American Thoracic Society
Address: Church Street Station P.O. Box 3421 New York
Website URL: https://site.thoracic.org/research/the-ats-research-program/grants-and-eligibility
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.