A Record-Breaking 72 Applications Reviewed in 2007!

In January of 2007, the Research Committee met to review a record breaking 72 applications! Each major subspecialty area — congenital heart disease, adult acquired surgery, thoracic oncology and thoracic transplantation — was well represented. The proposals varied widely in scientific focus, ranging from transplantation immunology and molecular oncology to biomechanics and tissue engineering. There was also a healthy mix of mechanical, translational and clinical science. Most importantly, all of these proposals addressed issues important to improving care for our thoracic surgical patients.

The Committee’s work includes providing constructive criticism for each applicant. We strongly believe that this feedback will help young residents and faculty to submit more polished applications, and thus compete more effectively in traditional venues for increasingly scarce research funds. The committee is acutely aware that academic departments can no longer depend on diverting professional revenues to support research. Lack of this traditional bridge or seed funding enhances the need for fundraising to make it possible for TSFRE to increase the amount of individual awards, particularly to young faculty.

Despite the grinding pressures and financial uncertainties we all face in our clinical practices, the breadth and high quality of the TSFRE supported research effort reflects a strong commitment to fundamental and clinical thoracic surgical investigation. This vital basis for the future evolution of our specialty remains healthy and vibrant, thanks to your participation.

“I was able to use the preliminary data obtained as a result of this grant to apply for further NIH funding. This grant has been invaluable to me and my studies. I have benefited greatly and have become successful in taking a bench-top innovative idea to clinical fruition.”

— Dr. Malcolm Brock