CORE update

The Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grants program plays a critical role in advancing the field of otolaryngology by providing support to research projects, research training, and career development. CORE aims to 1) unify the research application and review process for the specialty; 2) encourage young investigators to pursue research in otolaryngology; and 3) serve as an interim step that may ultimately channel efforts for important National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunities.

The CORE grant program societies, foundations, sponsors, and partners have awarded more than $10 million since the program’s inception in 1985. In conjunction with the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), societies, foundations, and sponsors are involved in funding one- to two-year nonrenewable grants ranging from $5,000 to $80,000.

The leadership of each participating subspecialty society is ultimately responsible for determining the recipients each year. The scores and critiques provided by the CORE Study Section are simply recommendations to help in the decision process. The recipients of the grants sponsored by the Xoran Technologies LLC and Cook Medical are determined by the AAO-HNSF leadership.

This year, the CORE Study Section reviewed 161 applications requesting  $2.7 million in research funding.

The 2017 CORE Study Section subcommittees included: Head and Neck Surgery, chaired by Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD; Otology, chaired by Oliver F. Adunka, MD; and General Otolaryngology, chaired by Rodney J. Schlosser, MD. and Michael J. Brenner, MD (chair-elect).

The 2017 CORE leadership (including the boards and councils of all participating societies) has approved a portfolio of 31 grants totaling $495,096.

See the list of 2017 CORE grantees.