Clinical Research Grants (AFSH)

About this program

The American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand (AFSH), in partnership with the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), funds Clinical Research Grants to support exploratory/developmental clinical studies in hand and upper limb surgery, including pilot studies, self-contained projects, and development of research methodology or technology. Awards provide up to $60,000 total ($30,000 per year) in direct costs for one or two years, with 75% disbursed at the start of each grant year and the remaining 25% released after an approved six-month progress report. Eligible applicants are investigators conducting clinical research in hand/upper limb surgery; projects may mirror the scope of an NIH R03 and preliminary data are not required. For the 2026 cycle, AFSH emphasizes proposals on emerging technology (including AI), healthcare disparities in hand surgery, and contractures, though submissions on any hand/upper limb topic are welcome.