Martin Kang, PhD, to Receive the ATS/ALA Commemorative 120th Anniversary Joint Research Award

Martin Kang, PhD, of the Medical University of South Carolina, is this year’s recipient of the ATS/ALA Commemorative 120th Anniversary Joint Research Award. The grant totaling $120,000 was awarded in partnership with the American Lung Association and will fund basic, translational, or clinical research that has a high likelihood of advancing the understanding of lung disease.

The American Thoracic Society Research Program announced the award at the Research Program Benefit, which took place at the ATS 2025 International Conference in May. 

Dr. Kang plans to use the award to support his research on “Redosing AAV Gene Therapy in the Lungs of a Pediatric Mouse Model of Surfactant Protein-B Deficiency.”

“We are proud to partner with the American Lung Association in celebrating our shared commitment to advancing respiratory science,” said Kamran Atabai, MD, chair of the ATS Scientific Grant Review Committee. “Through this joint award, we can support promising research that has the potential to transform care for patients with serious lung diseases. We’re grateful for the Lung Association’s continued collaboration in helping us invest in the next generation of scientific leaders.”

“For 120 years, the American Lung Association has been at the forefront of the fight for healthy lungs and clean air,” said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association. “This anniversary grant reflects our ongoing commitment to high-quality science and to ensuring health care providers have the best evidence-based tools to guide patient care. We are proud to partner with ATS to continue this vital work.”

The ATS Research Program has aligned its grant cycle with the calendar year and is accepting applications for partner grants until July 1, 2025.

The next grant cycle will open in January 2026. Visit our website for more information.

Fund future respiratory health breakthroughs by donating to the ATS Research Program or the American Lung Association.