AMERICAN OTOLOGICAL SOCIETY RESEARCH FUND
CLINICIAN SCIENTIST AWARD, CLINICAL INVESTIGATION,
RESEARCH GRANT AWARD, TRAINING FELLOWSHIP,
and new in 2026, a MULTI-CENTERED CLINICAL COOPERATIVE SEED GRANT 

NEXT FUNDING CYCLE, JULY 1, 2026 - JUNE 30, 2027

LOI DEADLINE
Monday, November 3, 2025

(extended to Nov 3, due to Nov 1st is a Saturday)

GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE
January 31, 2026

Successful AOS grant applicants will be notified of grant status
for funding period July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 by June 1 

The American Otological Society is committed to the non-promotional advancement of knowledge and science and to a free exchange of medical education in otology and neurotology. The American Otological Society, through its Research Foundation, is offering Research Grant Awards, an Award for a Clinical Trial, full-time Research Training Fellowships, a Clinician-Scientist Award and new in 2026, a Multi Centered Clinical Cooperative Seed grant, (exclusive to AOS members).
 All of the AOS grant awards may involve research on any topic related to ear disorders. The research need not be directly on an otological disease but may explore normal functions of the cochlea, labyrinth or central auditory or vestibular systems. However, the applicant must describe how the proposed research will benefit our understanding, diagnosis or treatment of otological disorders. Research supported by all of the grant mechanisms can relate to any aspects of the ear, hearing and balance disorders.  We welcome applications that address quality and safety of care as well as to improve education and training in otology. 

The AOS is pleased to offer FIVE grant mechanisms for your consideration. Please review the following table and apply to the mechanisms that best fits your situation. DETAILS for all mechanisms are included in the grant submission instructions, (UPDATED AUG 2024)

Title

Maximum Requested Budget

Renewable?

Targeted applicants

Research Grant

$55K for one year ($50K direct costs, $5K indirect costs)

No. Re-applications will be reviewed as a new application.

Faculty, either MD and/or PhD -
Those WITHOUT major funding (<$100,000 for any project) (NIH, DoD, NSF) encouraged to apply

Fellowship Grant

$44,000 per year–up to $35K stipend–$5K supplies–$4K indirect costs)

No. Re-applications will be reviewed as a new application.

Clinical fellows, residents, post-doctoral fellows (both MD and PhD), and graduate students. 

Clinical Investigations Grant

$66K for one year

($60K direct costs, $6K indirect costs)

There is a possibility for renewal for a second year, but applications will be reviewed competitively as a new application.

Anybody -Those WITHOUT major funding (<$100,000 for any project) (NIH, DoD, NSF) encouraged to apply

Clinician-Scientist Award

Up to $240K over 3 years ($80K per year)–Up to $70K per year for salary–Up to $20K per year for supplies & equipment

A progress report is required for every year of funding, but the grant will typically be renewed unless something untoward happens or the PI gets a K08/K23 Award.

Full-time teaching appointment (MD), typically at a junior level who are aiming to develop a career as a clinician-scientist

Multi-centered Clinical Cooperative Seed Grant

NEW in 2026

 

  $55K for one year; no indirect costs allowed There is a possibility for renewal for a second year, but applications will be reviewed competitively as a new application. AOS membership REQUIRED for PI, minimum of 3 collaborating sites.  Neither the overall PI nor the Site PIs may be trainees. Only 1 award per year to be distributed. Concurrent NIH R13 grant may be applied for/awarded, but PIs with larger awards for study of the same disease are ineligible to apply. A history of significant funding in areas of research other than the proposed multi-site research will not disqualify the applicants.


THESE DATES APPLY TO ALL AOS GRANT MECHANISMS

LOI DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025

If you would like to submit a grant for consideration of funding in the next cycle, 2026-2027, in ONE PDF, include a LETTER OF INTENT and PI BIOSKETCH (NIH template), including details regarding other existing support, and any potential overlap with your mentor(s) must be submitted by November 1st (Nov 3rd in 2025) of the year prior to funding. The letter of intent must state the desired grant mechanism for the proposal (CSA, Fellowship grant, Clinical Investigation, or Research grant), the Principal Investigator, and Institution(s), a working title, with an abstract and Specific Aims (2 page limit on abstract and aims). Biosketches and a cover letter should accompany the 2 page proposal summary (in addition to the abstract/aims), but it is not included as part of the two page summary. The next funding cycle begins July 1, 2026. Biosketches of all personnel are optional, but will be required if invited to submit a full application.

Complete applications will be invited from selected applicants based on the Research Advisory Board's review of the letters of intent. Applicants will be notified whether they are invited to submit a full application the first week of December. 

Invited applicants must submit a full application by January 31st
Please send one pdf (not a portfolio) to:

Andrea Vambutas, MD, Executive Secretary
Research Fund of the American Otological Society, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Richard K. Gurgel, MD, MSCI, Executive Secretary-Elect
Email: [email protected]
AND 
Kristen Bordignon, AOS Research Fund Administrative Assistant 

Please read instructions thoroughly, there are NO FORMS to fill out and page limits must be adhered to. 

Click here to view "Fast facts and Q&A about all AOS Grant mechanisms

Click here to open the AOS grant submission instructions (pdf)  (UPDATED JULY 2025) 

Click here for more information about the AOS Clinician Scientist Award and renewal guidelines

Budget and Salary support Q&A
Fellowship Grant - up to $35K
Clinician Scientist Award - up to $70K
NO salary support for Research grants or Clinical Investigation grants.

GET YOUR RESEARCH FUNDED! 

THE AMERICAN OTOLOGICAL SOCIETY RESEARCH FOUNDATION 
has distributed nearly $8 million to date! 

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2025-26 grant recipients!


2025-26 AOS Research Advisory Board

Andrea Vambutas, MD, Executive Secretary
Richard K. Gurgel, MD, MSCI, Trustee, Executive Secretary-Elect
Samuel Gubbels, MD, Trustee
Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD Trustee
Wade W. Chien, MD, Trustee
Sharon Cushing, MD, MSc, Trustee
Rick Nelson, MD, PhD, Trustee
Lina A. J. Reiss, PhD, Consultant 
Radha Kalluri, PhD, Consultant
Hari Bharadwaj, PhD, Consultant

The Research Advisory Board (RAB) is comprised of seven AOS members, each serving a 7-year term and  three consultants, each serving a 5-year term. These individuals are among the most highly respected researchers in our field.  The expertise and dedication of the RAB are critical to the success of the mission of the AOS Research Foundation. 

Information may be obtained from:
Andrea Vambutas, MD, Executive Secretary
Research Fund of the American Otological Society, Inc.
AND
Kristen Bordignon
Executive Administrator
American Otological Society 
Ph: 217-638-0801
Fax: 727-800-9428
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.americanotologicalsociety.org