The ATS Research Program Benefit is considered one of the best networking events at the ATS 2024 International Conference and the most fun way to support early career investigators in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. This year’s benefit will be hosted in the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego on Saturday, May 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. PT. 

Registrants can purchase their tickets to the Benefit when they register for ATS 2024. Each ticket includes a tax-deductible donation to the ATS Research Program. The event’s $100,000 Sapphire Level Sponsor is Chiesi USA.  

“The ATS Research Program provides crucial support for the future generation of leaders in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine,” said ATS President M. Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF. “The Benefit is an excellent opportunity each year to connect with other International Conference attendees, enjoy food and refreshments, and support a great cause.” 

General admission tickets are $350 ($200 tax-deductible). The “Founder” ticket package is $1,000 ($700 tax-deductible) and includes two general admission tickets to the event and access to the Donor Café located in the convention center throughout the entirety of ATS 2024.  

Corporate and Institutional packages, which include logo recognition and other benefits, can be purchased through ATS 2024 registration or by contacting Delia Naughton, LMSW, at [email protected]. 

ATS Research Program Benefit attendees can expect a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with leaders in respiratory health. An open beer and wine bar will also be available, as well as appetizers. There is no required dress code, but most attendees traditionally wear business attire. 

For admission, registrants’ ATS 2024 conference badges will have a symbol to identify guests of the benefit and ensure a quick check-in process. Attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to guarantee their admission to the event, but for those who decide to come at the last minute, ATS staff will be onsite in San Diego to help if tickets are still available. 

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the ATS Research Program. The program’s mission is to bolster new investigators as they launch their independent research careers and bring innovative solutions to patient care. Since 2004, the ATS Research Program has invested $24,800,000 in research grants to early career investigators. The Research Program’s investment of $19.5 million in the 2004-2017 awardees has resulted in over $884 million in funding from the federal government (NIH), a return on investment of $45.38 per dollar awarded.  Furthermore, the Research Program has invested an additional $5 million to new awardees in the last five years.

“The ATS Research Program funds early career investigators at a time when it is most difficult for emerging scientists to earn financial support,” said Jesse Roman, MD, ATSF, Ludwig Kind Professor of Medicine and CEO of the Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Roman formerly served on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the ATS Research Program and is the current ATS Treasurer. “Over two decades, the program has funded more than 300 early career investigators, which has led to tremendous success, with many program beneficiaries subsequently receiving NIH funding that exceeds the ATS Research Program’s initial investment several times over.” 

While this research has led to significant advances in medicine, there is still much to be learned, especially in the specialties of respiratory health. According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people globally suffer from chronic respiratory conditions.

The talented basic, translational, and clinical early career investigators funded through ATS Research Program awards are adopting innovative approaches to unlock the mysteries of respiratory diseases. Their scientific explorations are diverse and include lung cancer, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and more. By supporting early career investigators, the ATS Research Program launches careers dedicated to advancing scientific discovery — and better patient care.

“One of the best parts of looking back over the 20 years of the Research Program is seeing that many of the initial grant recipients are now section chiefs, division directors, or leading important industry programs,” Dr. Roman explained. “These people are now driving education, fellowship programs, and research. The fact that the ATS has been able to contribute to their success is quite massive.” 

Direct donations to the ATS Research Program can be made on the organization’s website. Questions about the ATS Research Program Benefit should be addressed to [email protected].