The Research Seed Grant gives investigators around the world the chance to define objectives and test hypotheses in preparation for larger grant applications at corporations, foundations and government agencies. The seed data from the projects we fund will give investigators a better idea of feasibility and directionality of research before applying for more funds from other sources.
Application cycle open
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 Research Seed Grant!
Award amount
Grant recipients receive up to $60,000 for a one-year project to be used as support for the preliminary or pilot phase of that project. Funds may not be used to supplement previously-secured major funding.
Nature of projects and focus areas
Beginning with the 2026 grant cycle, the R&E Foundation is excited to introduce a new priority focus areas funding initiative, designed to support transformative research in cutting-edge, underfunded and high-impact disciplines as identified by the Board of Trustees. These areas represent opportunities for innovation and advancement in radiology and are a strategic focus for the Foundation moving forward.
2026 approved priority areas include:
While these priority areas are encouraged, the Foundation remains committed to supporting early-career radiologist and will continue to accept investigator-initiated proposals across the full spectrum of radiologic science. Projects that advance imaging science, develop or evaluate medical imaging technologies, or apply imaging in innovative ways to address important biological or clinical questions are always welcome.
This grant mechanism will be open to all levels of radiologic investigators, with an established academic appointment.
Applications should describe the unique nature of the research effort independent of existing research efforts. Greater emphasis will be placed on the likelihood of this research to attract future funding given the nature and extent of the preliminary data collected within the cycle of the grant.
1. Membership in RSNA
Most RSNA grants require applicants to be current RSNA members (at any level). If an applicant is in a non-dues-paying category, a co-investigator or scientific advisor must be a dues-paying member. RSNA
Predictor: Up-to-date membership avoids eligibility disqualification.
2. Clear Relevance to Radiologic Sciences
Successful projects are explicitly situated within radiologic science or imaging research, including areas such as technology development, imaging biomarkers, clinical radiology questions, comparative effectiveness, imaging informatics, quality improvement, and related translational topics. RSNA
Predictor: A well-defined project within RSNA’s mission of advancing imaging science.
3. Alignment with Strategic or Priority Focus Areas
RSNA’s Board of Trustees identifies priority focus areas in emerging or high-impact domains. For the 2026–27 cycle, these include:
Precision medicine and theranostics
Imaging in vulnerable populations
Efficiencies in radiology
Personalized pediatric imaging
Cybersecurity in radiology
Increasing access and efficiency (“doing more with less”) RSNA
While not mandatory, addressing one of these topics can strengthen a proposal’s relevance.
Predictor: Alignment with identified RSNA priority areas.
4. Strong Scientific Rationale and Innovation
Across all grant types, competitive proposals have:
A clear hypothesis or research question
Strong justification for the study’s scientific or clinical importance
Well-described methods and outcomes
Reasonable scope for the funding period and budget level RSNA
Predictor: Scientific clarity and methodological rigor judged appropriate for the grant size.
5. Fit with Career Stage and Grant Purpose
RSNA matches grants to career progression:
Medical Student Grants require full-time students and a structured 8–10 week project with a mentor. RSNA
Resident/Fellow Grants target trainees early in clinical imaging careers. RSNA
Research Scholar Grants support junior faculty establishing independence and collecting pilot data to compete for larger funding. RSNA
Predictor: Choosing the correct program for your career stage enhances competitiveness.
6. Feasible Objectives and Timeline
RSNA grants vary in duration and effort expectations:
Scholar grants require a multi-year, 20–30% effort commitment. RSNA
Resident/Fellow awards must specify dedicated research time (e.g., 3.6 calendar months/30%). RSNA
Predictor: Clear demonstration that the work can be completed within the planned timeframe and with available effort.
7. Preliminary Data or Pilot Justification (for Seed/Scholar Grants)
For Research Seed and Scholar grants, compelling evidence that the project will yield meaningful pilot data or a clear path toward future funding significantly boosts competitiveness. RSNA
Predictor: A strong link between the project and planned future funding or larger impact.
8. Institutional Support and Mentorship
RSNA expects applicants — especially trainees and junior faculty — to have strong mentorship plans and institutional backing (e.g., department support, matching funds for student grants). RSNA
Predictor: Clear institutional commitment signals feasibility and seriousness.
9. Complete and Compliant Applications
RSNA is strict about application completeness: missing documents, failure to include required signatures, or not following formatting instructions will result in rejection. RSNA
Predictor: Thorough, compliant applications are baseline success factors.
❌ Weak scientific justification or unclear methods
❌ Proposals that do not fit the grant’s career stage or scope
❌ Missing RSNA membership or incomplete documentation
❌ Unrealistic goals relative to funding level
❌ Lack of mentorship or institutional support
Before submission:
Confirm RSNA membership eligibility and status. RSNA
Select the grant mechanism that matches your career stage. RSNA
Tie your project to radiologic science questions or RSNA priority areas. RSNA
Assemble a feasible research plan with milestones and deliverables. RSNA
Include a strong mentorship and institutional support statement. RSNA
Review the application instructions carefully (deadline, signatures, attachments). RSNA
| Predictor of Success | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| RSNA membership | Ensures eligibility |
| Radiology & imaging relevance | Central to RSNA mission |
| Alignment with priority areas | Highlights impact potential |
| Scientific rigor & innovation | Increases reviewer confidence |
| Career-appropriate proposal | Matches grant expectations |
| Feasible plan & timeline | Demonstrates realistic execution |
| Institutional support | Signals readiness & sustainability |
| Complete & compliant submission | Avoids bureaucratic rejection |
Any investigator from anywhere in the world with an academic appointment may apply for this grant, as long as you are an RSNA member. If you’re a non dues-paying member, your scientific advisor or your co-investigator must be a dues-paying member. You must also meet the following criteria:
All applicants
North American applicants
You must have completed advanced training and be certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or are on track for certification.
International applicants
You must have completed advanced training and be certified by the radiology board in your country.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Radiological Society of North America
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 820 Jorie Blvd., Suite 200 Oak Brook, IL 60523-2251
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Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
$60,000
Affiliation: Radiological Society of North America
Address: 820 Jorie Blvd., Suite 200 Oak Brook, IL 60523-2251
Website URL: https://www.rsna.org/research/funding-opportunities/research-grants/research-seed-grant
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