SAEM Lion's Den
Important Dates
Lion's Den submissions deadline is Friday, April 25, 2026.
Lion’s Den will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Students, fellows, and faculty are invited to “pitch” their research ideas to experienced EM investigators who will consider “investing” in you and your research idea (through mentorship, expertise, or more!).
Sign up to pitch your innovative research idea at the 12th annual Lion’s Den during the 2026 SAEM Annual Meeting.
If selected, you will be given ~5 minutes (max of 7 slides) to convince the Lions’ Den that your research topic is worthwhile, your approach is good, and that you are worth investing in.
If you are interested in participating, submit the form below or e-mail Joseph Miller (Jmiller6@hfhs.org)
Purpose
Securing early research funding is a critical yet often intimidating milestone for junior investigators in academic emergency medicine. Pilot studies and early grant applications are essential for generating preliminary data, establishing credibility, and building momentum toward larger funding opportunities. However, many early-career investigators receive limited structured guidance on how to effectively design, refine, and communicate research proposals.
How Does It Work?
This interactive didactic adapts the familiar “Shark Tank”–style format to emergency medicine research training. Junior investigators will pitch research ideas to a panel of experienced mentors who will provide real-time, constructive feedback on study significance, methodological rigor, feasibility, and clarity of presentation. Through observation and participation, attendees will learn key elements of successful proposals, including clearly defining an unmet need, articulating study aims and outcomes, demonstrating investigator readiness, and delivering a concise, persuasive pitch.
Takaways
- Highlights common strengths and pitfalls in early research proposals
- Models effective mentorship and iterative improvement
- Provides practical strategies to strengthen research ideas
- Offers tools to engage mentors productively
- Helps position pilot projects for future extramural funding and scholarly impact