The application period for the 2026 grant cycle is now closed. The next grant cycle will open in January 2026. Please check back for updates on funding opportunities in early 2026.
Grant Opportunities
ATS Unrestricted & Diversity Grants
$40,000 for one year
Up to six unrestricted grants, inclusive of one diversity grant, will be awarded in 2026 to early-career investigators. All applicants must first submit a letter of intent. Individuals applying for the diversity grant may indicate their eligibility and interest within the letter of intent. International researchers are welcome to apply.
Partner Grants
Amount and duration varies.
Partner grants are targeted and disease-focused funding opportunities offered in collaboration with the Research Program's partners. Applicants must be early-career investigators and meet ATS-wide eligibility requirements unless otherwise stated. Letters of intent are not required.
ATS/Alpha-1 Foundation Young Investigator Grant in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
$50,000 for one year
One grant is available for early-career investigators interested in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency research. Applicants must indicate a commitment to AAT-related research by focusing 50% of their time on AAT deficiency research or clinical practice. This grant is co-funded by the Alpha-1 Foundation and ATS.
ATS/Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACDMPV) Research Grant
$100,000 for one year
One grant is available for investigators at any stage of their academic career interested in ACDMPV research. This grant is co-funded by the Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia Association, The David Ashwell Foundation, and ATS.
ATS/Chiesi USA, Inc. Research Grant in Obstructive Lung Disease
$50,000 for one year
One grant is available for early-career investigators interested in obstructive lung disease research. This grant is fully funded by Chiesi USA, Inc.
ATS Early-Career Investigator Award in Pulmonary Vascular Disease
$100,000 for one year
Four grants are available to early-career investigators conducting research on the basic mechanisms and/or vascular biology of pulmonary vascular disease. This grant is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
Timeline
The Research Program grant cycle has moved to a calendar year as of 2025. This general timeline will be updated in early 2026 with specific dates.
| Grant Portfolio Opens | January 2026 |
| Letters of Intent Due | March 2026 |
| Invitations to Applicants | May 2026 |
| Full Applications Due | July 1 2026 |
| Award Notification | September 2026 |
| Grant Start Date | January 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be early-career investigators for all ATS Research Program grants unless otherwise stated.
ATS defines early-career investigators as individuals within 0-10 years of receiving their terminal degree (e.g., MD, PhD) or completing postdoctoral training, if applicable. For the current grant cycle, this means that you must have received your terminal degree or completed postdoctoral training no earlier than 2015.
- For MDs, postdoctoral training includes clinical sub-specialty training, but not research training.
- For PhDs, this definition is inclusive of postdoctoral training.
- never having received a non-mentored grant ≥ $100,000 per year for at least two years, e.g., PI on a NIH R01 grant.