ABMS Research and Education Foundation Grant

The American Board of Medical Specialties Research and Education Foundation (ABMS REF) is offering research grants for the 2026–2028 cycle to support independent, original research that advances the structures, processes, and outcomes of medical specialty certification. This initiative reflects the foundation’s mission to improve healthcare through high standards for physician board certification across the 24 ABMS certifying boards. ABMS REF, funded by the American Board of Medical Specialties, aims to create a portfolio of high-quality studies that provide actionable insights into how certification can better serve public health and professional accountability. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $75,000 each, with a total of $300,000 in funding allocated for this cycle. Funding is provided in two installments: 75 percent at project initiation and 25 percent upon project completion and final reporting. The grant supports a project period of up to two years. Research topics are not restricted, as long as they align with the ABMS mission. Applicants are encouraged to explore themes such as the role of certification in promoting equity, professional development, diagnostic excellence, and its broader societal impact. Priority is given to proposals relevant to multiple ABMS Member Boards. The grant application process includes two phases. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by January 30, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal by May 1, 2026. The application portal opens November 17, 2025. Successful projects begin August 31, 2026, and conclude August 31, 2028. All materials are submitted through a dedicated web portal, and the LOI includes a three-page narrative, abstract, biosketches, and other supporting documents. The full proposal, for invited applicants, expands on these elements and includes detailed methodology, risk mitigation, and a timeline. Eligibility is open to health systems, universities, and organizations in the United States whose missions align with ABMS. The principal investigator must hold a primary position at a U.S.-based institution and must be independent from ABMS and its Member Boards. Investigators affiliated with other healthcare-related organizations are generally eligible. ABMS Member Boards may collaborate on proposals but cannot serve as primary applicants. Applications are peer-reviewed by a committee of senior researchers and include patient representation. Proposals are evaluated based on mission alignment, methodological rigor, innovation, team composition, and significance. Grant recipients are expected to attend annual virtual meetings, submit interim and final reports, and present findings at the ABMS annual conference. They must also publish their results in peer-reviewed outlets. This opportunity fosters a collaborative research community and encourages independent inquiry into certification practices. Applicants are advised to consult Member Boards during the LOI stage to strengthen alignment and project relevance. The ABMS REF supports both research and program evaluation, favoring projects with potential for national impact rather than purely local improvement.

Emphasize relevance to multiple ABMS Member Boards; align proposal significance to ABMS mission; ensure PI independence; submit well-structured abstract with measurable aims