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The ORS Young Investigator Initiative
October 23-25, 2026
Doubletree Hotel, Rosemont, IL

The ORS Young Investigator Initiative (YII) is a multi-disciplinary grant mentoring and career development program that provides all young investigators in the musculoskeletal sciences with guidance on constructing well-founded research proposals and securing funding for basic, translational, or clinical research.

This Program is open to all Junior Faculty, Fellows, Post-Doctoral Researchers and Residents. Previous attendees are also invited to return to review their Summary Statements, discuss next steps, and obtain further guidance from our experienced and supportive faculty mentors.

View the agenda here.

“I have been intimidated to apply for the big grants with my biggest ideas. I feel like I have the confidence and insider knowledge now to give it a shot. Being among ORS researchers and clinician-scientists was also refreshing and a great opportunity.” (2025)

Kaitlin McCreery, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Vermont

“This program was an amazing opportunity to gain insight into the grant writing and review process. The faculty and peer feedback were extremely helpful. This is a worthwhile use of your time!” (2024)

2024 Participant

“This was one of the most useful things I have done ever. I feel this program alone will help me significantly improve my chances of getting funding. There are always people that will say that a grant doesn’t read well or it needs more clarity but couldn’t clearly express what that meant. I finally understood.” (2024)

2024 Participant

“It gave me more confidence to submit my grants – the feedback was very positive.” (2024)

2024 Participant

For questions about the program, please contact Shari Centrone at [email protected].

The Young Investigator Initiative (YII), formerly a program of the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI), is now owned and operated by the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS).