Traveling Fellowship Application Cycle is now Open!
Grant Letters of Proposal are being reviewed; decisions will be sent the week of March 30th.

The North American Spine Society (NASS) is a premier multidisciplinary medical organization with nearly 8,000 physician, researcher and affiliated healthcare members worldwide dedicated to fostering the highest quality ethical, value-based and evidence-based spine care through education, research and advocacy. NASS membership includes the following spine-related specialties: orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, research and other disciplines, including allied health professionals.

NASS strives to be a leading force in promoting and supporting spine research. Since 1989, NASS has funded more than $5.3 million in multidisciplinary spine-related research. NASS relies on the generosity of its membership, nonmember donors and the spine industry* to provide funding for its research funds in support of the highest quality, peer-reviewed research.

NASS supports basic, clinical and translational science performed with integrity. The goal is to improve quality spine care for patients and understanding of underlying disorders. One way NASS achieves these goals is by funding grants and fellowships.

All grants (excluding Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment) are subject to categorization as basic, clinical, or translational as defined here. *Note: NASS retains full control of research award selection. Specific individuals or corporations do not have influence over the selection of recipients.

Deadlines

Grant Letter of Proposal (LOP): February 9, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST)

Grants Invited Application: May 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CDT By Invitation Only)

Traveling Fellowship Applications: May 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CDT)

Types of Funding Available

All grants (excluding Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment) are subject to categorization by research priority (basic, clinical, or translational) as defined here.

NASS research grants provide funding for promising research projects by qualified investigators in the field of spine. Principal Investigator(s), or PI(s), are required to be NASS member(s) in good-standing with dues. Recommended grant budgets range between $20,000-$40,000 per year. In rare cases and at the discretion of the committee, each year may be up to $50,000.

Young Investigator(s), or YI(s), are defined as early career professionals within five-years of completion of postdoctoral training at the time of application. YI(s) are required to be NASS member(s) in good-standing with dues. Acceptable doctoral programs include: MD, DO, PhD, DPT, etc. Applicants may not have received any grant funding previously from the NASS Research Funding Committee.

In an effort to further promote the development of aspiring spine researchers/investigators, NASS has created the new Graduate Research Seed Grant to award funding up to $5,000 each to a promising student enrolled in a credentialed graduate program, pursuing spine-related research. Applicants must be enrolled in a credentialed graduate study program at the time of application, with confirmed mentor/faculty supervision from a NASS member

The Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment Grant is the result of a donation to research as part of a settlement of a class action lawsuit unrelated to NASS. This grant supports research of disc-related and/or neuropathic back pain by nonsurgical techniques. These funds must be used for new, nontraditional methods of nonsurgical treatment of such back and neck pain and radiculopathy. If TNF-inhibitors other than etanercept are used in research and/or treatment funded, comparison studies using perispinal etanercept in at least as many research subjects or patients should be done. Funding amount and number of grants are at the discretion of the NASS Research Funding Committee based upon merit of applications and amount of funding available each year. It is recommended that approved grant budgets range between $20,000-$40,000 per year. In rare cases and at the discretion of the committee, each year may be up to $50,000 per year.

The Clinical Traveling Fellowship spans at least one month to be spent in three to five different medical centers studying spine techniques. The centers selected by the applicant should agree in writing to accept the applicant if they receive the Fellowship. The Fellowship primarily covers the costs of travel and housing and typically ranges from $3,000-$7,000.

The Research Traveling Fellowship spans at least five months at one medical center (other than the facility at which the applicant currently practices). The center selected by the applicant should have appropriate research facilities and agree in writing to accept the applicant if they receive the Fellowship. The Fellowship primarily covers the costs of travel and housing and typically ranges from $3,000-$7,000. If funding for the actual research project is needed, please apply for one of the research grants.

The International Traveling Fellowship is a dynamic new initiative designed to build global partnerships, enhance clinical expertise, and support professional growth across borders. The Fellowship spans two to four weeks at medical centers outside the United States. Funding for the Fellowship is restricted to NASS members based in the U.S., who have been formally accepted into the program by the International Strategic Growth Committee.

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Deadlines

Grant Letter of Proposal (LOP): February 9, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST)

Grants Invited Application: May 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CDT By Invitation Only)

Traveling Fellowship Applications: May 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CDT)

Types of Funding Available

All grants (excluding Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment) are subject to categorization by research priority (basic, clinical, or translational) as defined here.

Research Grants

Young Investigator Grants

Graduate Research Seed Grants – NEW

Nontraditional, Nonsurgical Treatment Grants

Clinical Traveling Fellowship

Research Traveling Fellowship

International Traveling Fellowship – NEW