The PSF supports investigators from the beginning of their careers, during residency and as they advance to becoming experienced and well-established plastic surgeons. The purpose of the Research Fellowship Grant is to encourage research and academic career development in plastic surgery. This grant is for salary support only for a resident or fellow to obtain training and experience in research, under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The application must describe a structured research training plan, in addition to a research project. Only already funded research projects will be considered. Evaluation of the application will place emphasis on the research training experience, research project, applicant potential and mentor qualifications and commitment to mentoring. Research Fellowship grants must be used for salary support only.
Up to $50,000 for one-year to be used for salary support only.
These rankings are based on the foundation's published application guidelines and evaluation criteria. They are practical predictors, not an official numerical scoring system.
★★★★★
Direct relevance to plastic surgery
Critical
The research must address an important question in plastic or reconstructive surgery. Applications to subspecialty programs must directly address the specified field, such as hand surgery, microsurgery or peripheral nerve research.
★★★★★
Scientific significance and clinical impact
Critical
Explain the importance of the research question and how its findings could improve surgical practice, patient safety, recovery, functional outcomes or quality of life.
★★★★★
Innovation and originality
Critical
Present a novel concept, research hypothesis, surgical technique, technology or therapeutic approach that meaningfully advances existing knowledge.
★★★★★
Rigorous study design and statistical analysis
Critical
Provide clear aims, appropriate methods, valid outcome measures, suitable controls and defensible statistical analyses. The National Endowment for Plastic Surgery explicitly evaluates study design and analytic quality.
★★★★☆
Feasibility and preliminary evidence
Very high
Show that the research can be completed within the grant period. Preliminary or pilot data are particularly important for translational awards, while pilot grants are designed to generate such evidence.
★★★★☆
Investigator qualifications and research potential
Very high
Demonstrate the applicant's research capabilities, prior accomplishments and commitment to advancing plastic surgery research. Junior investigators should show potential for an independent academic research career.
★★★★☆
Mentorship and institutional support
Very high
Provide qualified mentors, access to facilities and institutional support. For Research Fellowships, the training plan and mentor's qualifications and commitment are explicit review considerations.
★★★☆☆
Potential for future external funding
High
Explain how results will support subsequent NIH or other external funding applications. This is a particularly strong fit for Pilot and Combined Pilot Research Grants.
★★★☆☆
Translation into surgical practice
High
Identify a realistic pathway toward better surgical techniques, treatment decisions, patient outcomes or clinical tools. This is especially important for the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery.
★★★☆☆
Award alignment, eligibility and application compliance
Essential
Select the correct mechanism, satisfy degree and ASPS membership or sponsorship rules, justify the budget and follow all proposalCENTRAL requirements.
The criteria are particularly well supported by the PSF's National Endowment, Pilot Research Grant, Research Fellowship, and Combined Pilot guidelines.
Grant Application Guidelines and Eligibility
+3
| Rank | Predictor | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Direct plastic surgery relevance | Critical |
| 2 | Scientific significance and clinical impact | Critical |
| 3 | Innovation and originality | Critical |
| 4 | Research methodology and statistical rigor | Critical |
| 5 | Feasibility and preliminary data | Very high |
| 6 | Investigator qualifications | Very high |
| 7 | Mentorship and institutional support | Very high |
| 8 | Potential for future external funding | High |
| 9 | Translation into surgical practice | High |
| 10 | Award fit and application compliance | Essential |
Applicants must…
• be a MD or DO
• hold a full-time position in a U.S. or Canadian Institution where the research will be conducted.
• be a resident or fellow.
• obtain sponsorship from an Active ASPS member at your institution. ASPS dues must be current at the time of grant application.
• devote 100% of your time to this research training for a continuous 12-month period.
• NOT be assigned to clinical rotations that satisfy residency requirements.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Plastic Surgery Foundation
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 444 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664
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Dec 01, 2026
Dec 01, 2026
$50,000
Affiliation: Plastic Surgery Foundation
Address: 444 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664
Website URL: https://www.thepsf.org/research-and-grants/grants-program/research-fellowships
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.