Catalyst Award
Catalyst Award supports cardiothoracic surgeons and researchers with data file access for STS National Database research, enabling analysis of de-identified data for an abstract and manuscript.
Funder: Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (Application deadline) | September 15, 2027 (Next close date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 in one lump sum for one year
Summary: Supports data file access costs for approved STS National Database Participant User File research focused on cardiothoracic surgery.
Key Information: Applicants must already have formal PUF project approval but must not have received the data.
Description
The Catalyst Award for Data Access, administered by the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, supports research using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database Institutionally Funded & Analyzed Participant User File (PUF) program. It covers the cost of obtaining data files rather than providing general support for a research project. The award is open to qualifying cardiothoracic surgeons and other researchers conducting cardiothoracic surgery research.
The PUF program enables investigators to analyze national-scale, de-identified data at their own institutions and develop their findings into an abstract and manuscript. Its priorities include facilitating research by database participants, supporting high-quality research, and protecting participant confidentiality and patient privacy. Catalyst applicants must secure PUF approval before seeking this data-access support.
