At AABIP 2026, we are proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals whose research, clinical excellence, and dedication to the field of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology have made a meaningful impact on our community. All award and grant recipients will be recognized and invited to present at the 9th Annual AABIP Conference in Denver, Colorado, August 20–22, 2026.

Research Grants

2026 AABIP
Research Grant

Designed for early-career investigators with big ideas. Support your research in bronchology and interventional pulmonology with a grant of up to $20,000. Open to AABIP members in good standing who are permanent residents or visa holders in the US or Canada.

πŸ† 2026 Winner: Jamie Rowell, MD, Northwestern University; Research Proposal: Enhancing And Predicting Lung Cancer Diagnosis Via Machine Learning Digital Pathology Analysis of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Biopsy Specimens

2026 AABIP Research Grant in
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Pioneering the future of PDT? A competitive, peer-reviewed award of up to $20,000 supporting innovative research in Photodynamic Therapy as applied to bronchology and interventional pulmonology. Supported by an educational grant from Pinnacle Biologics, Inc.

πŸ† 2026 Winner: Shreya Podder, MD, University of Chicago; Research Proposal: The Role of Adjuvant Photodynamic Therapy in Treatment of Malignant Central Airway Obstruction

2026 DIU Travel & Education Grant to
AABIP Annual Conference

The AABIP Diversity, Inclusion & Unity Committee is offering a travel and education grant covering full conference registration, economy travel, and up to four nights of accommodation at the 2026 AABIP Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado (August 20–22). Open to physicians in training or within 5 years of completing training, and non-physician members representing diverse backgrounds.

πŸ† 2026 Winner: TBA
πŸ† 2025 Winner: Belissa Lopez PeΓ±a, MD, San Juan City Hospital; Bishara Rizvi, MBBS, Virginia Commonwealth University

AABIP Awards

Geoffrey McLennan Memorial Award

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Geoffrey McLennan, a pioneering scholar in pulmonary medicine and biomedical engineering who passed away prematurely in 2010. This award recognizes junior to mid-level AABIP members within 10 years of completing fellowship who have demonstrated exceptional promise and a high likelihood of lasting impact in Interventional Pulmonology.

πŸ† 2026 Awardee: George Cheng, MD, University of California San Diego
πŸ† 2025 Awardee: Robert Lentz, MD, Vanderbilt University

Cynthia Ray Humanitarian Award

In memory of Dr. Cynthia Ray, an interventional pulmonologist and dedicated mentor who lost her life in 2017 while helping others. This award recognizes AABIP members at any career stage who exemplify the humanistic qualities of medicine:
integrity, service, altruism, and empathy.

πŸ† 2026 Awardee: Van Holden, MD, University of Maryland
πŸ† 2025 Awardee: Darlene Nelson, MD, Mayo Clinic

Praveen Mathur Memorial Award

Recognizing physicians who have made outstanding contributions to pleural disease research and education. Open to AABIP members with at least 10 years of post-fellowship experience who have demonstrated leadership through research, clinical trials, or significant advancements in pleural medicine.

πŸ† 2026 Awardee: Horiana Grosu, MD, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
πŸ† 2025 Awardee: Samira Shojaee, MD, Vanderbilt University

Top Abstracts & Top Video Abstract

Each year, AABIP recognizes the highest-ranked abstract submissions with complimentary conference registration and an invitation to present at the prestigious Top Abstract Session β€” one of the conference’s most prominent scientific moments.

πŸ† 2026 Top Abstract Winners: TBA
πŸ† 2026 Top Video Abstract Winner:Β TBA