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Resident and Fellow Fast Track Grants

American Society for Surgery of the Hand

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:

Pilot or feasibility studies
Secondary analysis of existing data
Small, self-contained research projects
Development of research methodology
Development of new research technology

All proposals relating to any hand/upper limb project will be considered if eligibility requirements are met.

Special Emphasis

Special funding is available for projects submitted for the following special emphasis areas:

Arthritis management: Pre-clinical and clinical investigations focused on mechanisms of cartilage degeneration, biomarkers of disease, and treatment including surgical and non-surgical management as well as biologics and gene therapy
Fragility fractures/bone health: Identification of biological indicators and risk factors for fragility fractures as well as comprehensive approaches to bone health, including early stage identification and prophylactic treatment
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.

Award

Each one-year Fast Track grant will receive a $5,000 award (direct costs only)

Timeline

March 5 – July 6: Letter of Intent submission period (required before full grant submission)
- May 11 (optional): Deadline to submit LOI for extra guidance and feedback
- June 8: Feedback to be provided to early submitters by this date
July 7 – July 27: LOI review period
July 27: LOI notifications sent
July 27– August 24: Full grant submission period for accepted LOIs
August 24: Full grant submission due

Application Process

Prior to submitting your application, please be sure your ASSH user record is up-to-date (Log in to your ASSH user account/record here). If you do not have an ASSH record you will be prompted to create one. Applicants are required to complete all of the steps below:

1. Submit a Letter of Intent form by July 6, 2026 and be prepared to include the following:

A one-page description, citing the specific aims of your study in the context of background and significance. Formatting: 11pt, Arial font, ½ inch margins. See example here.
A 200-word abstract
NIH Formatted Biosketch. See example here.
Applicants who are interested in a one-on-one mentorship virtual meeting with a member of the Clinical Research and Grantsmanship Committee should submit their LOI by May 11, 2026. These early submissions will be receive personalized feedback from a committee member.

2. Receive confirmation from AFSH to submit a full grant application (confirmations to be sent no later than July 27, 2026).

3. View the following grant writing resource: Fundamental Principles of Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Kevin C. Chung, MD, Melissa J. Shauver, MPH)

4. Compile your application documents:

2026 AFSH Fast Track Grant Application (Word document)
Letter of Support: This must be from an ASSH Active Member and should detail how the process of mentoring will take place, including the direct role the mentor will take in the project. The letter of support will be an important component of the decision whether or not to award funding. For Canadian applicants, the ASSH Active Member must be affiliated with the applicant’s home institution.
Animal or Human Subjects application (IRB approval or proof of IRB application under review)
Resubmission Letter (if applicable): If your grant proposal is a revision of a prior submission to the AFSH, please include a letter addressing what revisions have been made.

5. Submit the 2026 Fast Track application form online where you will upload your proposal and supporting documents.

Letters of intent are due on July 6, 2026. Full grant applications are due on August 24, 2026. Promising applicants will be asked to prepare an NIH-style one-page response to reviewer critiques prior to any funding decisions.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Pilot project with clear potential for future NIH/external funding (highest predictor)

AFSH states that both Basic Science Grants and Clinical Research Grants are designed like the NIH R03 mechanism: short-term, exploratory studies intended to generate preliminary data for later external funding. Reviewers therefore strongly favor projects that can realistically become:

NIH R01 / K award applications
larger multi-center hand surgery studies
translational follow-on research

Projects framed as “proof-of-concept leading to larger funding” are particularly competitive.

2. Direct relevance to hand and upper-extremity surgery

This is a major predictor.

Strong proposals are closely tied to:

hand surgery
wrist and upper-extremity disorders
peripheral nerve surgery
tendon/ligament repair
nerve regeneration
fracture care
microsurgery
functional outcomes after hand procedures

Projects outside core hand and upper-extremity care tend to be less competitive.

3. Feasible research design with clear methodology

Because ASSH/AFSH grants are typically pilot-scale, reviewers seem to favor:

focused hypothesis
practical methodology
realistic budget
achievable timeline
measurable outcomes within 1–2 years

Preliminary data are not always required, but feasibility must be convincing.

4. Strong surgeon-scientist trajectory of the applicant

Successful applicants often show early academic momentum such as:

publications in hand surgery / orthopaedics / plastic surgery
podium/poster presentations at ASSH or related meetings
previous research experience
evidence of continued interest in academic hand surgery

Resident/fellow fast-track awards especially value research promise and future leadership potential.

5. Strong mentorship and institutional support

A strong mentor remains one of the biggest indirect predictors.

Competitive applications often show:

mentorship from an established hand surgeon investigator
access to research infrastructure
biostatistical or lab support
protected research time
departmental commitment to project completion

For junior applicants, this can significantly influence competitiveness.

6. Innovation / translational value

AFSH appears especially supportive of projects involving:

biomechanics
regenerative medicine
nerve repair/regeneration
surgical technology
outcomes research
AI or imaging applications in hand surgery

Novel but clinically translatable ideas often stand out.

Specialties

Neurosciences

Surgery

Eligibility Requirements

Hand surgery fellows or surgical residents in ACGME or RCPSC accredited programs are eligible to apply. Funding will be limited to one applicant per independent academic department. PI may only submit one Fast Track grant application per calendar year. Award amount is $5,000.

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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