A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grant

The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grant, established through the enduring legacy of William B. Mark and Caroline S. Mark, represents a cornerstone of support within the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). The grant honors Caroline’s grandfather, Austin Ward Ford, an early innovator in the business machine industry, and underscores the lifelong dedication of the Mark family to education and scientific advancement. Caroline and William Mark co-founded the A. Ward Ford Foundation, and their shared vision laid the groundwork for ASLMS’s inception in 1981. Caroline Mark, in particular, continued to champion research and foster collaboration throughout her life, shaping the society’s commitment to research, education, and community. The primary objective of the A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grant is to foster innovative research in the medical application of lasers. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the fund supports promising investigators whose work advances laser-based medical care. This grant is awarded annually, with a focus on enhancing the field through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts among clinicians, researchers, and technologists. The ASLMS welcomes proposals that contribute new insights and solutions within this specialized scientific domain. Grant awards may reach up to $70,000 annually, empowering recipients to complete substantive research projects typically within the following calendar year. While the funds are flexible in supporting diverse research methodologies and topics, extensions for project completion are available upon approval by the grant review committee. These projects are expected to align with the ASLMS’s mission to promote high standards of clinical care, research, and education in the use of lasers and energy-based medical devices. Applications are submitted via the ASLMS Research Grant application portal. Prospective applicants must complete either the Standard Pre-Application or the Student Application, depending on their eligibility. The upcoming application deadline for both tracks is January 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. This deadline serves as the sole gating requirement for advancing to the full submission. Submissions are then reviewed by the grant review committee, and award notifications are issued by the end of March. Awarded projects must begin in the subsequent year, though extensions may be granted if a formal request is submitted and approved. The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grant is one of several research opportunities offered through ASLMS, and stands out for its emphasis on continuity and legacy in laser medicine. This commitment is further evidenced by the support of the A. Ward Ford Memorial Institute Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. Past recipients, such as Nathaniel M. Fried, PhD, have conducted pioneering work like the “Infrared Laser Sealing of Vascular Tissues Using a Transparent Laparoscopic Device,” supported by an ASLMS member sponsor. All questions related to the grant process may be directed to the ASLMS at [email protected] or by phone at 715-845-9283. While no PDF guidelines were accessible through the source, applicants are encouraged to refer to the online grant guidelines and reach out directly for further documentation. This grant exemplifies the ongoing commitment of ASLMS and the Ford Foundation to promote collaborative, high-impact laser research that benefits clinical outcomes and furthers scientific understanding.