ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026: Surgery Residents Guide

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Resident Research Scholarships 2026 offer a unique opportunity for surgical residents to advance their research careers. This prestigious scholarship provides $60,000 over two years for full-time research, supporting residents committed to academic surgery and cutting-edge research.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the scholarship, including eligibility, application components, research areas, benefits, timelines, tips, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re in general surgery or a surgical specialty, this article will help you prepare a strong application and maximize your chances of success.

Scholarship Overview

The ACS Resident Research Scholarships are a two-year award that supports surgical residents conducting full-time research. Here’s what you need to know:

• Funding Amount: $60,000 total ($30,000 per year)
  
• Duration: Two years
  
• Eligible Expenses: Resident salary, personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel costs related to research
  
• Research Location: Within or outside the USA or Canada
  
• Presentation Requirement: Recipients must present research findings at the ACS Clinical Congress during the second year of the award
  

This scholarship is ideal for residents seeking research experience that advances their academic careers in surgery.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:

1. Be a Resident Member of the ACS.
   
2. Have completed at least two postgraduate years in an accredited surgical training program (any specialty) in the USA or Canada.
   
3. Be pursuing research before completing the chief residency year.
   
4. Obtain full-time support and take a two-year leave from the department.
   
5. Have a primary mentor who is an ACS Fellow.
   

Note: Scholarships do not support research after the completion of the chief residency year.

Offered Courses and Research Areas

The scholarships support research across various domains within academic surgery, including:

• Basic Science Research: Investigating fundamental biological processes.
  
• Clinical Research: Focusing on patient care and clinical outcomes.
  
• Translational Research: Bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications.
  
• Health Services Research: Analyzing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
  

Note: The scholarships do not support tuition for additional degrees such as MPH, MBA, or PhD.

Scholarship Benefits

• Funding Amount: $60,000 over two years ($30,000 per year).
  
• Usage: Covers direct research-related costs, including:
  
  • Resident salary
    
  • Personnel
    
  • Equipment
    
  • Supplies
    
  • Travel
    
• Exclusions: Does not cover indirect costs or tuition for degree programs.
  
• Presentation: Recipients must present their research findings at the ACS Clinical Congress during the second year of the award.

Degree Level & Application Requirements

The USA ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026 are intended for residents enrolled in postgraduate surgical training programs in the U.S. or Canada. These scholarships do not support individuals pursuing additional degrees such as MD, MPH, MBA, or PhD. Applicants must commit to full-time research for the entire two-year scholarship period and be Resident Members of the ACS.

Complete Application Components

To apply successfully, your application must include the following:

1. Research Title & Executive Summary
   
   • Max 400 words outlining your research goals and career objectives.
     
2. Research Proposal (Max 5 pages)
   
   • Specific Aims (1 page)
     
   • Research Strategy (3 pages) covering significance, innovation, preliminary data, and experimental design
     
   • References (1 page)
     
3. Two-Year Budget & Justification
   
   • Use the ACS template to detail costs for salary, personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel.
     
4. Letters of Recommendation
   
   • Fiscal Officer Letter: Confirms institutional approval and no indirect costs.
     
   • Department Chair Letter: Confirms full-time research support.
     
   • Mentor Letter (ACS Fellow): Details mentoring plan and guidance.
     
5. NIH-style Biosketch
   
   • For both applicant and mentor (max 5 pages each).
     

Pro Tip: Prepare drafts early to give mentors and department chairs sufficient time to write strong, detailed letters that highlight your research innovation and career potential.

Application Process 

To apply for the ACS Resident Research Scholarships, carefully follow these steps:

1. Prepare Research Title & Executive Summary
   
   • A brief summary (≈400 words) describing your proposed research, career objectives, and how the scholarship supports your goals.
     
2. Develop a Detailed Research Proposal
   
   • Specific Aims (1 page maximum)
     
   • Research Strategy (3 pages maximum): include significance, innovation, preliminary data, and experimental design
     
   • References (1 page maximum)
     
3. Create a Budget & Justification
   
   • Outline costs for salary, personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel for the two-year period.
     
4. Obtain Institutional Approval Letter
   
   • From your institution’s fiscal officer, confirming no indirect costs to the recipient or institution.
     
5. Get Department Chair Letter
   
   • Confirms you hold a categorical residency position and have departmental approval for full-time research.
     
6. Obtain Mentor Letter
   
   • From your primary mentor (must be an ACS Fellow), detailing a guidance and support plan.
     
7. Follow Formatting Guidelines
   
   • Single-line spacing, Arial 11 font, 1” margins.
     
8. Submit Before the Deadline
   
   • Applications are typically due by August 25 of the application year.
     

Tip: Include tips for a strong application: emphasize innovation, highlight career goals, and ensure mentor letters are detailed.

Application Timeline

While the exact dates for 2026–2028 may vary, previous cycles followed this schedule:

• Application Deadline: Late August (approx. August 25)
  
• Notification of Award: Within 3 months post-deadline
  
• Funding Start: July of the award year
  

Start preparing your application well in advance to meet deadlines comfortably.

Step-by-Step Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early: Begin your research proposal and gather documents months in advance.
   
2. Choose a High-Impact Research Topic: Align your project with your career goals and a significant surgical issue.
   
3. Secure Strong Mentorship: Select a mentor who is an ACS Fellow with a strong track record in research.
   
4. Write a Realistic Budget: Ensure all costs are accounted for without exceeding limits.
   
5. Follow ACS Guidelines Strictly: Deviating from formatting or page limits can lead to disqualification.
   
6. Highlight Career Impact: Show how this research will advance your surgical career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can international residents apply?
A1: The scholarship primarily targets U.S. and Canadian residents. Research may be conducted internationally, but applicants must meet all ACS eligibility criteria.

Q2: What expenses are covered?
A2: Resident salary, personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel. Tuition or indirect costs are not covered.

Q3: How important is the mentor letter?
A3: Extremely important. A detailed, supportive letter from an ACS Fellow can make or break your application.

Q4: When should I start preparing?
A4: Ideally, 6–12 months before the application deadline to ensure all components are polished.

Conclusion

The USA ACS Resident Research Scholarships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for surgical residents to gain full-time research experience, financial support, and exposure in academic surgery. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing a strong application, and following the tips in this guide, residents can maximize their chances of success.

For more details and to apply, visit the ACS Resident Research Scholarships official page.