The Task Force on Funded Research (TFR) Program is one of the Society’s three major avenues for investigators to conduct research using data from an STS National Database component registry (Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, General Thoracic Surgery Database, Congenital Heart Surgery Database, or the Intermacs Database). The other two avenues are the Access & Publications Program and the Participant User File Program. The Task Force comprises surgeons who:
- Facilitate linkage of Database data to other sources such as Medicare data for research examining longitudinal outcomes
- Assist with applications for extramural funding to conduct research using Database data
- Collaborate with investigators on developing and submitting grant applications (e.g., to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) to conduct researching using Database data
- Review and approve a variety of research projects and proposals—investigator-led research funded by institutions, industry, or the investigators themselves—that would utilize data available in the Database.
Application Process
Proposals can be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To avoid issues with scientific overlap, investigators are highly encouraged to review the list of active STS research proposals and list of recently published STS research studies for the intended registry before submitting a TFR Program application. Investigators also may consult with STS Research and Analytic Center staff about their proposal topic/aims, if necessary. These steps are meant to avoid wasted effort on a proposal that would overlap with previously approved STS research.
In addition, investigators should refer to the TFR Processes and Procedures document for detailed information regarding the review and approval process.
For more information contact Kristin Mathis.