The AAST is dedicated to the discovery, dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of knowledge related to acute care surgery (trauma, surgical critical care, and emergency general surgery) by fostering research, education, and professional development in an environment of fellowship and collegiality. A major goal of the AAST is to provide research scholarships each year to young investigators to further trauma research and scholarships for Medical Students, Residents, and In-Training Fellows to attend the AAST Annual Meetings.
All scholarship applications can be found here. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process please contact us at (800) 789-4006 or click here.
AAST RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS
The purpose of the AAST research scholarships is to solicit research applications from early-career investigators proposing basic science, translational, or clinical studies to advance trauma, surgical critical care, emergency general surgery care and health equity research*. AAST scholarships are intended to provide funding for early investigators to complete a research project, which will serve as the basis for future grant applications and to launch the applicants’ academic careers.
Priority will be given to clinical, translational, and basic sciences (mechanistic) research proposals that are commensurate and in line with the AAST’s strategic goals and initiatives. AAST Associate Members are strongly encouraged to apply. Pilot projects, projects seeking exclusively preliminary data, or “proof of concept” projects will only be considered if the applicant provides a sound scientific foundation for the proposal. Projects centered on Global Surgery/Trauma will only be considered if they are found to be of sufficient merit and are scientifically sound.
The 2026 AAST Research Scholarship application will open November 2025 and will accept submissions until February 2nd, 2026. You will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of your completed application. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, please email Patrick Croce - use “Scholarship Application Confirmation” as your subject line.
Please note: All applicants must be available for web/phone interviews in April 2026. Awardees must attend the 2026 (Dallas, TX) and the 2027 (Chicago, IL) AAST Annual Meetings.
The application includes:
- Cover letter
- Application
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- NIH Bio Sketches for each investigator (including the PI)
- Photo
Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the application:
- An application MUST NOT exceed 25 pages.
- All applications must be submitted online.
- Applications not completed correctly, incomplete, or late will be disqualified.
- Research Proposal MUST fit in the allotted space according to their headings
- A brief summary of the research proposal including the application of anticipated results.
- A detailed description of the research plan including specific experimental design and statistical assays. Information should be sufficiently detailed to allow reviewers to Evaluate Feasibility, Validity, Budget, etc.
- Significance of research. Include a brief discussion of anticipated results and how the information will affect the field in question.
- Pertinent Bibliography
- Detailed Budget
All Recommendation and cover letters MUST be addressed to:
AAST Secretary-Treasurer
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST)
633 N. Saint Clair Street, Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60611
* The purpose of the AAST health equity research scholarship is to solicit research applications from early-career investigators proposing research focusing on research in health care disparities targeting patient outcomes, clinician/clinical services, and/or healthcare systems levels, health inequities, and/or social determinants of health. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on potential solutions to these disparities within Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
HEALTH POLICY SCHOLARSHIP
For eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the Health Policy Scholarship page.
The American College of Surgeons and AAST offer an annual scholarship to subsidize attendance and participation in the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University. The course takes place June 2–7, 2025.
Considering the necessary eligibility requirements are met, surgeons can apply for more than one award from a co-sponsoring organization. Only one award per year for any applicant will be awarded.
Apply Online
Additional documents and questions are to be directed to the here or Scholarships Administrator, American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611-3295.
VISITING PROFESSORSHIP PROGRAM
More Information Coming Soon
ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
Annual meeting scholarships are available for medical students, residents, and in-training fellows. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage young investigators to become a part of the AAST community, network with leading trauma surgeons, and engage in the cutting edge program at the Annual Meeting. The scholarship includes 4 Nights Hotel, Meeting Registration, and a $200 per diem. Air Fare is not included and is the responsibility of the Scholarship Recipient.
Applications for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Dallas will open in March 2026.
Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the application:
- All scholarship recipients must arrive in Dallas, TX on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
- Applications not completed correctly, incomplete, or late will be disqualified.
- Only electronic applications will be accepted.
- Scholarship recipients are required to attend the entire AAST Meeting in Dallas, TX, and all required social events from Tuesday, September 15th to Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Contact
Supporting materials and questions should be directed here.