2026 ATS International Trainee & MECOR Program Scholarships (ITS)
The ATS International Health and Membership Committees are proud to present the ATS International Trainee Scholarships (ITS)—a long-standing program in place for over 15 years. This initiative aims to bring together the best emerging talent from around the world and foster diversity by supporting their participation in the ATS International Conference.
Program Overview
Each year, ~30-40 abstracts are selected from ATS Assemblies and from the MECOR Program to represent low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The goal is to provide meaningful exposure and professional development opportunities for trainees engaged in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
Award Components
Each ITS award includes:
-
Certificate of Achievement recognizing the recipient’s accomplishments.
-
Cash Scholarship:
-
US $1,500 for awardees from low- and middle-income countries
-
US $1,000 for awardees from high-income countries
(Funds are issued via check, cashable during the conference.)
-
-
Complimentary Registration for the ATS International Conference.
-
One-Year ATS Membership.
-
Existing members receive an additional year added to their current membership.
-
Poster Colloquium and Presentation
Awardees are required to participate in the International Scholars Poster Colloquium on Saturday, May 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This session highlights their research and fosters discussion with peers and senior faculty.
Each participant will:
-
Present their abstract in a 5-minute slot (3 minutes for presentation, 2 minutes for Q&A).
-
Display their poster and engage in dedicated discussion times.
Colloquium Agenda:
-
8:00–8:30 a.m. – Poster display and discussion
-
8:30–8:55 a.m. – Opening remarks (IHC Chairs and ATS Officers)
-
8:55–10:20 a.m. – Presentations
-
10:20–10:35 a.m. – Break
-
10:35 a.m.–12:10 p.m. – Presentations
-
12:10–1:00 p.m. – Poster discussion
-
1:00–1:30 p.m. – Certificate distribution
Financial Support
The scholarship is designed to offset costs related to conference participation, including airfare, lodging, meals, and local transportation.
Program Goals
-
Provide clinical exposure to international trainees by attending the ATS International Conference.
-
Create a platform for international trainees to present their research.
-
Foster ATS membership and involvement in ATS Assemblies.
-
Facilitate scientific exchange and connections across borders.
-
Enhance the conference experience through access to all related ATS activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
-
Be non-U.S. citizens currently residing and training outside the United States.
-
Be authors on an abstract (or case report) accepted to the ATS International Conference (late-breaking abstracts not eligible).
-
Have completed the work at an institution outside the U.S.
-
Be available to attend and present at the International Scholars Poster Colloquium.
Application Process
Interested applicants should check the corresponding box during the ATS abstract submission process to be considered.
Awardees are selected based on abstract scores (as evaluated by ATS Assemblies) and geographical diversity. ATS emphasizes inclusion across income levels and regions.
-
Announcement of Results: by February 20 on the ATS website
-
Visa/Travel Proof Deadline: by March 15 (valid U.S. visa or interview confirmation required)
