In 2013, the Research Committee of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) established the Early Simulation Career Research Award Program (formerly the SSH Novice Research Grant Program) to support the development of new investigators and research initiatives. The Society has awarded over 20 monetary awards to early-career research projects in healthcare simulation research.
Early career researchers developing methodologically sound simulation-based research projects using quantitative, qualitative, or hybrid, mixed-method approaches are sought for these awards. Studies that are both innovative and have strong potential for a positive impact on the simulation field are encouraged. The potential impact on the applicant’s career is also considered.
Research awards of up to $10,000 are available.
Research Priorities for Consideration
Below are priorities identified by the Research Committee for the 2025 funding cycle; however, the Committee does not restrict funding only to these priorities and will consider high-quality proposals that advance theoretical and applied knowledge in healthcare simulation research.
- Studies that consider and investigate the balance between physical realism and resource utilization (cost, sustainability, and scalability) in simulation education.
- Studies comparing factors related to the use of high vs. low-fidelity simulations and simulators.
- Studies investigating simulation-based factors (debriefing method, fidelity, learning modalities, etc.) that lead to optimization and acceleration of competency and learning in teams.
- Studies investigating optimal dose, frequency, and interval of simulation training sessions for competency-based training.
- Studies comparing variables (faculty presence, feedback methods, etc.) that influence and inform the setting of standards and assessment methods used in competency-based training.
- Studies that investigate the relationship of simulated participant methodology and emerging technologies, including hybrid strategies.
- Studies measuring the impact (emotional, learning, retention, etc.) of in situ simulation events on participating professionals and/or care teams and patients not involved in the event.
- Studies comparing Extended Reality (XR) based simulation with non-XR based simulation modalities, as it applies to training effectiveness/efficiency, learner outcomes, and mitigation of learner cybersickness.
- Studies comparing the effectiveness of various debriefing techniques on learner competency, retention, or other psychometric parameters.
Call for Proposals
Supported by the SSH Fund, a competitive submission process occurs every year. Up to two awards of $10,000 each are available. This is an open application process, and all submissions will be reviewed. SSH reserves the right to withhold the awarding of this funding if no suitable proposals are submitted (e.g., of sufficient quality).
Proposal and Application Information
Submissions Closed
Submission and Review Process
Step 1: Letter of Intent
Researchers should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) that provides a high-level description of the research project, including the following elements:
- Ethics Review and Human Subject Protection
- Background/Executive Summary
- Research Question/Hypothesis
- Research Methodology
- Project Timeline
- Budget
- Project Mentor information
- Supporting references
And submit the following:
- CV, IRB Approval Letter (if completed)
Deadline for Full Proposals: TBD
All proposals will be reviewed by the SSH Research Committee, and highest-quality proposals shall be asked to submit a full proposal for consideration.
Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)
For LOIs that have been selected, the primary researcher will be asked to submit a full proposal. The full proposal will have details to include:
- Detailed project proposal
- Description of organizational resources that support completion
- TBD/et al
Full proposals will be reviewed by the Research Committee, and finalists selected for the interview as a final step.
Step 3: Live Video Interview
Finalists will be scheduled for a live video interview to describe their project in detail and answer questions from the review team. This is intended to close any remaining gaps in understanding about the submitted projects and ensure the best decision is made to make the award.
Schedule for Live Video Reviews: TBD
Notifications to all finalists are planned for TBD
Award Announcement
The winning project will be publicly announced at the 27th International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH 2027), which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, from January 23-27, 2027.