In 2018, the AASM Young Investigators Research Forum (YIRF) celebrated its 10th anniversary in providing over 200 promising early-career sleep researchers with the guidance, tactics, and strategies necessary to better position themselves for a successful career in clinical sleep research. The three-day research forum is designed to aid the career development of promising young investigators in clinical and translational sleep medicine research. Starting in 2019, the YIRF will have a new home within the AASM Foundation’s successful award programs. This move represents the AASM Foundation’s commitment to growing the pipeline of sleep scientists. The 2019 AASM Foundation YIRF will be held April 10-12, 2019 in Bethesda, Maryland. It will follow the same format as previous years and boasts an exciting program:

Day 1

Aspects of Being a Good Scientist

  • Learn how to build a successful career in sleep research
  • Network with established sleep investigators and young investigators

Day 2

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Learn about various sleep research funding mechanisms available at the NIH
  • Further develop specific aims for a grant proposal

Day 3

Grant Review and Academic Environment

  • Participate in a mock grant review study section
  • Obtain newfound knowledge on the academic research environment

“As an alumni of the YIRF, I can attest that this research forum provides the inspiration, network and skills to strive forward in academic research by laying the groundwork that is necessary to increase scholarly productivity and successfully compete for research funding,” said Alberto Ramos, MD, MSPH, Chair of the 2019 YIRF, “the AASM Foundation, YIRF faculty and I look forward to facilitating this great opportunity for early-career investigators in order to maintain a healthy pipeline of sleep researchers”

Applicants will be selected based on past research productivity and future promise in sleep medicine research. Travel and lodging will be coordinated and paid by the AASM Foundation for selected applicants. Applications are now being accepted through December 11, 2018. For more information, visit foundation.aasm.org/yirf.