How to Find Research Funding Options, Even in The COVID-19 Era

by Jennifer Fink •

Professional Organizations

The American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) program has invested more than $12 million in otolaryngology research projects since 1985. The program is a collaboration of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS), the American Neurotology Society (ANS), the American Rhinologic Society (ARS), the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO), and the Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD). The collaborative effort is intended to decrease fragmentation and overlap of grant opportunities and advance otolaryngology as a whole.

CORE grant applications are reviewed by three subcommittees: otology, head and neck surgery, and general otolaryngology. There were approximately 25 different grants available in 2020, ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000.

“These tend to be smaller grants, but they’re still quite competitive,” Dr. Bleier said. Importantly, applying for CORE or foundation-based grants allows investigators to build their grant-writing skills. “You learn how to put your thoughts together, and that’s really critical if you want to progress to larger grants,” he said.

Letters of intent for the 2021 CORE grant cycle are due Dec. 15, 2020; full grant applications must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2021.

Benjamin Bleier, MDOver time, you realize that there are people who want to donate to research because it brings them satisfaction. You’re actually providing people who would be donating anyway an avenue to do just that. It’s a relationship-building process. —Benjamin Bleier, MD

Federal Agencies and Departments

The NIH isn’t the only federal agency offering grant money. Dr. Tzounopoulos has had good luck with both the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Defense (DoD).

The NSF typically funds basic (versus clinical) research. Dr. Tzounopoulos received an NSF grant to study the role of zinc in the auditory system. His research is helping delineate how zinc affects sound perception. Previously, the NSF has also awarded $15 million to help scientists crack the olfactory code, and is currently supporting research into the microbiome, which may play a role in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis.

All foundations and institutes have a mission, and you as a scientist have your own mission. You’re looking for a match. —Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD

The DoD is interested in research that may ultimately lead to treatments for hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. “The No. 1 and No. 2 service-related disabilities are tinnitus and hearing loss,” Dr. Tzounopoulos said. He has received DoD funding to investigate novel synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms in hearing; the DoD also supported additional research to translate those findings into the development of a drug that may help relieve hearing loss and tinnitus.

Multiple funding opportunities exist. Clinician scientists who are pursuing research support need to devote time to researching possible sources of financial support. “Know what’s out there and, in your grant applications, highlight how your research will fill a gap and add to the existing science in an impactful way,” said Dr. Daniels, of the ACS. “Do your due diligence.”