Inside the 2026 CORE Grants Study Section: Advancing Research in Otolaryngology

Kaitlyn Tholen, AAO-HNSF Senior Program Manager, Grants, Research, and Quality

Since 1985, the CORE Grants Program has supported high-impact research and trained the next generation of researchers in otolaryngology. In partnership with subspecialty societies and industry sponsors, CORE has awarded more than $13 million in funding to date. As federal research funding becomes increasingly competitive, CORE plays a vital role in sustaining the research pipeline and enabling early-career investigators to generate the preliminary data needed for larger grants.

This year, the program received a record number of applications, including 266 letters of intent (14% increase from last year) and 196 full applications (11% increase from last year). Applications were submitted across funding opportunities supported by nine subspecialty societies and industry partners. New funding areas this year included genetic hearing loss, sleep, allergy, unified airway disease, and opportunities with AAO-HNSF's clinical data registry, Reg-ent.

Following the January application deadline, CORE Chairs and AAO-HNSF staff assemble the study section by matching reviewers to applications based on subject-matter expertise. Each reviewer spends approximately four weeks evaluating an average of six applications in advance of the study section meeting. Applications are assessed on significance and innovation, scientific rigor and feasibility, and the strength of the investigative team and research environment.

A defining feature of the CORE Grants Program is its NIH-style study section process. This approach ensures a fair and rigorous review while also serving as a valuable training experience for both reviewers and applicants. Even for unfunded applicants, detailed reviewer feedback provides valuable guidance to strengthen future submissions.

2026 marked a return to an in-person study session format.Since 2019, the CORE Study Section has been conducted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year marked a return to an in-person format, with 75 reviewers traveling to Dallas, Texas, to participate in the study section and finalize funding recommendations. The return to an in-person study section enabled richer discussions, deeper scientific exchange, and renewed connections among leaders in otolaryngology.

Return to In-Person Study Section

General Otolaryngology Subcommittee reviewers.“This year’s in-person core review in Dallas brought a palpable sense of nostalgia and renewed energy,” said Murugappan Ramanathan, MD, CORE General Otolaryngology Subcommittee Chair. The live format rekindled the collegial spirit that defines these gatherings, offering rich opportunities to connect with researchers across disciplines.”

Head and Neck Surgery Subcommittee reviewers.“2026 was the first time [the study section] has been in person since COVID—a major ask of the reviewers and chairs over the last five years,” explained Jeffrey Liu, MD, CORE Head and Neck Surgery Subcommittee Chair. “From feedback, the in-person reviews greatly improved the discussion, critiques, and value of the CORE process. We look forward to the next cycle in 2027.”

CORE remains committed to expanding funding opportunities and supporting the development of the next generation of physician-scientists in otolaryngology. Equally important to this mission is the dedicated community of reviewers who contribute their time and expertise to ensure a rigorous and fair review process.

Benefits of Being a Reviewer

“This is my fourth year as a CORE grant reviewer, and I wish that I had started earlier in my career,” said Carol Yan, MD, CORE Reviewer. “I highly recommend this experience to senior residents, fellows, and junior faculty interested in research, whether clinical or translational. This experience is an outstanding opportunity to learn the nuances of grant review while contributing meaningfully to advancing our field.”

“Overall, I would strongly recommend serving as a CORE grant reviewer to otolaryngologists in training and to those early in their careers who are interested in the academic side of the field,” explained Tony Satroplus, MD, CORE Resident Reviewer. “A better understanding of the review process is invaluable for advancing personal career goals, strengthening departmental initiatives, and ultimately improving patient care through scientific inquiry.”

For anyone interested in contributing to the review process, CORE also welcomes volunteers to serve as reviewers. Interested individuals may contact COREgrants@entnet.org to learn more.

Awardees for this year’s cycle will be announced in May. Investigators at all stages are encouraged to explore upcoming opportunities when the next grant cycle opens in October.