Clinical research fellowships
AO Foundation's Clinical Research Fellowships offer hands-on training and expert mentorship for clinicians to develop and publish impactful research in orthopedics, trauma, and maxillofacial surgery.
Funder: AO Foundation
Due Dates: September 14, 2026 (AO CMF applicants) | September 28, 2026 (AO Trauma applicants)
Funding Amounts: Covers travel and accommodation for on-site fellowship in Switzerland; typical duration is 2–3 months.
Summary: Immersive research fellowships for clinicians to develop, execute, and publish clinical studies with expert mentorship and comprehensive support.
Key Information: Applicants must be AO members (AO Trauma or AO CMF) with relevant clinical background.
Description
The AO Foundation's Clinical Research Fellowships provide medical professionals with hands-on, on-site research training at AO headquarters in Switzerland. The program is designed to help clinicians transform their own research ideas or datasets into peer-reviewed publications through intensive mentorship from the AO ITC Clinical Evidence team. Fellows receive support in developing clinical study protocols, mastering research ethics, data management, statistical analysis, systematic reviews, and scientific writing. The fellowship fosters collaboration among an international network of clinicians and researchers, with an emphasis on advancing evidence-based patient care in orthopedics, trauma, and maxillofacial surgery.
Fellowships last approximately 2–3 months and include logistical and financial support for travel and accommodation. Participants are expected to bring their own research ideas or datasets and will benefit from structured guidance, regular meetings, and access to AO’s global expertise.
