USA ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026

USA ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering the prestigious ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026 to support residents in general surgery and surgical specialty training programs across the United States and Canada.

These two-year scholarships are highly competitive and provide surgical research funding in the USA. The program is designed to encourage surgical residents to pursue careers in academic surgery, covering diverse fields such as basic science, clinical, translational, and health services research.

Degree Level

• Open to residents in accredited surgical training programs (general surgery or surgical specialties).

• Not applicable for post-residency research after the chief residency year.

Eligible Subjects

These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the academic and clinical growth of surgical practice, making this one of the top surgery residency research grants in North America.

Scholarship Benefits

Important Notes:

• Study abroad opportunities are allowed.

• Second-year funding depends on progress and financial reporting.

• Recipients must present research findings at the ACS Clinical Congress in Year 2.

• Applicants with current extramural research funding are ineligible.

This makes the program one of the most attractive American College of Surgeons scholarships for residents pursuing academic careers.

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to U.S. and Canadian residents enrolled in accredited surgical training programs.

• International residents enrolled in these programs are also eligible, ensuring broad access to fully funded research scholarships in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a Resident Member of the ACS.

• Have completed at least two postgraduate years in an accredited U.S. or Canadian surgical training program before the start date.

• Conduct research before the chief residency year.

• Obtain full-time departmental leave for two years of research.

• Work under the guidance of a primary mentor who is an ACS Fellow.

Note: More than one award may be granted to applicants from the same institution in special cases.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted in accordance with ACS requirements. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be considered.

Required Documents:

1. Research Title & Executive Summary (≤400 words)

2. Research Proposal (max 5 pages):

   • Specific Aims (1 page)

   • Research Strategy (3 pages: significance, innovation, preliminary data, experimental design)

   • References (1 page)

3. Two-Year Budget & Justification (using ACS template)

4. Letter from Fiscal Officer (approving application, confirming no indirect costs)

5. Letter from Department Chair (confirming residency and granting research leave)

6. Letter from Primary Mentor (ACS Fellow) with detailed mentoring plan

7. NIH-style Biosketch (5 pages each for applicant and mentor)

Application Deadline

• The deadline for the ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026 is expected in late August 2026.

• The last application cycle closed on August 25, 2025.

• Applicants should regularly check the official ACS Scholarships page for updates.

Conclusion

The ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for surgical residents in the U.S. and Canada to advance their academic careers. With surgical research funding in the USA, strong mentorship from ACS Fellows, and the platform to present at the ACS Clinical Congress, this award is one of the most valuable surgery residency research grants available today.

By offering $60,000 in support and access to world-class mentorship, the program remains among the most recognized American College of Surgeons scholarships for residents committed to research excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026?
Residents in accredited surgical training programs in the U.S. and Canada who are ACS Resident Members are eligible.

2. Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, international residents training in accredited U.S. or Canadian surgical programs are eligible.

3. Does the scholarship cover tuition fees for additional degrees?
No, it only covers research costs. Tuition for degrees like MPH, MBA, or PhD is not included.

4. How much funding will recipients receive?
Recipients will receive $60,000 over two years ($30,000 annually).

5. Is study abroad allowed under this scholarship?
Yes, research abroad is permissible as part of the program.

6. Can applicants already receiving external funding apply?
No, applicants with existing extramural research funding are not eligible.

7. When is the application deadline?
The expected deadline is in late August 2026, though applicants should check the ACS website for confirmation.

8. What type of research is supported?
All research areas in general surgery and surgical specialties, including basic science, clinical, translational, and health services research.

9. Do recipients need to present their findings?
Yes, recipients must present their research results at the ACS Clinical Congress during the second year.

10. Who should be the primary mentor?
The primary mentor must be a Fellow of the ACS with a defined mentoring plan.