Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary and distinguished contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. Each year, typically in late spring, the Academy of Research issues an announcement inviting nominations for membership. After consideration of the nominations and supporting materials, the Academy selects individuals to be inducted into  this distinguished body of researchers. Normally, inductions occur during the Award Ceremony at the Annual AOTA Conference and Exposition. 

Inducted in 2008

• Grace T. Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Shula Parush, PhD, OTR
• Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

Inducted in 2007

• Daniel Bourbonnais, PhD
• Joyce Engel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Catherine Lysack, PhD, OT(C)

Inducted in 2006

• M. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 
• Susan L. Garber, MA, OTR, FAOTA, FACRM

Inducted in 2005 

• Patrice L. Tamar Weiss, BSc(OT), MSc, PhD

Inducted in 2004

• Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OTR/L
• Mary C. Lawlor, ScD, OTR, FAOTA

Inducted in 2003

• Helen Cohen, EdD, OTR
• Linda Tickle-Degnen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Inducted in 2002

• Virgil Mathiowetz, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

Inducted in 2001 

• Laura Gitlin, PhD
• Margo Holm, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Inducted in 2000

• Craig A. Velozo, PhD, OTR 

Inducted in 1999

• Betty R. Hasselkus, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• Cheryl Mattingly, PhD 

Inducted in 1998

• Mary Lynn Schneider, PhD, OTR 

Inducted in 1997 

• Wendy Coster, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Inducted in 1996 

• Mary Law, PhD, OT(C)
• Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C)

Inducted in 1995 

• Noomi Katz, PhD, OTR

Inducted in 1994

• Erika G. Gisel, PhD, OTR
• William C. Mann, PhD, OTR, FAOTA 

Inducted in 1993

• Winifred W. Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• G. Gordon Williamson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Inducted in 1992

• Anne G. Fisher, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA 

Inducted in 1991 

• Jean C. Deitz, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• David L. Nelson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Inducted in 1988

• Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR 

Inducted in 1986

• Sharon Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Florence Clark, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Inducted in 1984

• Gary W. Kielhofner, Dr.PH., OTR, FAOTA
• Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• Joan C. Rogers, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• Catherine A. Trombly, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Inducted in 1983

• *A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
• Mary Reilly, EdD, OTR, FAOTA
• Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, OTR, FAOTA

* Deceased