ARO Scholars will have the opportunity to present their current research at the 2027 ARO MidWinter Meeting (MWM). Throughout the program, Scholars and their mentors are encouraged to meet regularly to discuss research progress, professional development, and the Scholar’s experience in the program.

Attendance at the 2027 ARO MidWinter Meeting is required. If a scheduling conflict arises, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scholar Requirements

Each Scholar is required to:

• Attend the Awards Ceremony.
• Actively participate in the MidWinter Meeting by attending scientific sessions and other relevant meeting activities.
• Complete a post-meeting evaluation survey.
• Submit a progress report describing their accomplishments and experiences in the ARO Scholars Program.

Scholars are also encouraged to present their research at the 2027 MidWinter Meeting.

Award Benefits and Support

Each award includes:

• The opportunity to present a poster at the 2027 ARO MidWinter Meeting.
• An ARO member mentor and/or career mentor, if the Scholar does not already have one in place, provided by ARO.
• Round-trip coach airfare of up to $500 to attend the ARO MidWinter Meeting.
• Up to five nights of lodging at the designated meeting hotel.
• Complimentary registration for the 2027 ARO MidWinter Meeting.
• Up to $100 for ground transportation to and from the meeting hotel upon arrival and departure.
• Up to $50 per day for five days for meals and incidental expenses.
• A $2,500 stipend to support summer research.

Students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. ARO welcomes applicants who bring unique perspectives or who have faced challenges in their academic or research journeys. This includes, but is not limited to, students who are the first in their families to attend college, students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students whose experiences are not well represented within the scientific community.

Applicants must be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited college or university to pursue an undergraduate degree and must have an interest in otolaryngology, audiology, hearing and balance sciences, or auditory neuroscience.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and commitment to research and must identify an ARO member who is willing to serve as their summer research mentor. The mentor may be based at the applicant’s home institution or at another institution and must confirm their support of the applicant’s participation in the ARO Scholars Program.

Please read the application requirements carefully before submitting.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted online. Applicants should have the following materials ready to upload when completing the application:

• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Written statement of 500 words or fewer addressing the applicant’s professional goals; current or previous research experience, or interest in research; relevant experience; and what they hope to gain from conducting summer research and attending the ARO MidWinter Meeting (MWM). The statement should also briefly explain why the applicant is interested in participating in the ARO Scholars Program.
• Letter of support from an ARO member who is willing to serve as the applicant’s summer research mentor. The letter should confirm the mentor’s current and continued support of the applicant’s participation in the program. If the applicant and mentor are not located at the same institution or in the same city, the application should also describe how the applicant plans to conduct research with the mentor during summer 2027.

Only applications submitted through the online application system will be accepted. All required materials must be submitted by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET for the application to be considered complete.

Questions about the ARO Scholars Program may be directed to Allison Johnson, Member Services Manager, in the ARO Executive Office at headquarters@aro.org.

The ARO Development, Mentorship, and Advancement Committee (DMAC) will review and score completed applications and select the awardees. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in November. Awards must be used during the program year for which they are granted.

After Selection

Selected Scholars will receive instructions from the ARO Executive Office regarding abstract submission, if applicable, award disbursement, and MidWinter Meeting logistics.

If a student is selected to receive both an ARO Travel Award and an ARO Scholar Award, the student must select one award and decline the other.