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Research Excellence Nominations Now Open

WISH Comes True for Investigators

The third Workshop in Implementation Science and Health Grant Writing (WISH) Workshop, held May 20-22, 2025, was a tremendous success, according to well, evidence such as satisfaction surveys and knowledge self-assessment tools. One hundred percent of participants agreed that: their mentoring group was well-suited for their research; that feedback they received during the workshop improved their proposals; that they would use the knowledge gained from the workshop; and that their mentor provided constructive feedback before and during the workshop. As in prior years, WISH was sponsored by LeaRRn, an NIH-funded rehabilitation research resource center, CoHSTAR, a health services research and training center supported by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. This year's trainees included 24 investigators, 13 of whom were occupational therapists, 11 of whom received travel awards sponsored by AOTF.

WISH participants around table photo“I received iterative, real-time, honest feedback from successful and seasoned scholars and my fellow mentees. I don't know of any other setting where I could engage in that kind of fast-paced feedback loop! It was such an energizing, enriching, and productive experience.” - WISH Participant

The workshop offered each participant one of three tracks: Implementation Science, Health Services Research (HSR), and a Mixed Approach, which combined elements from the other two tracks. Attendees spent one and a half days in didactic sessions and in small-group breakout sessions (aka pods) where mentees discussed, critiqued, and strengthened their proposals. The workshop also included a panel on integrating lived experience into grant writing featuring community partners and representatives from PCORI, AOTF, and NCMRR. On the final day, Program Officers and mentors participated in a moderated panel on common grant proposal mistakes and success strategies.

"Supporting and participating in grant writing workshops like WISH underscores AOTF's commitment to advancing the science of occupational therapy through research, collaboration, and capacity-building. Empowering emerging researchers with the skills to write grant proposals and secure funding is a critical step toward building evidence, fostering innovation, and achieving long-term impact."- Satvika Garg, PhD, OTR/L, AOTF Chief Scientific Officer

The next WISH workshop is planned for May 2026.

If you're inspired to apply for one of our many grant programs, check out our current funding cycle timeline and request for applications. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

 

OT Dream Financial Aid Award Recipient Announced

AOTF is proud to announce the inaugural winner of the OT Dream Financial Aid Award, Alexandria Antonucci, a 2025 graduate from the University of New England.

The OT Dream Financial Aid Award provides financial assistance to a recent graduate of the MSOT program at the University of New England to cover the cost of their first OTR certification exam, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This award was created by an occupational therapist who knows the reality of facing financial hardships associated with higher education and wanted to support new graduates as they begin their careers. This award, the first of its kind, is a remarkable demonstration of philanthropy in action, making an immediate impact on the field of occupational therapy.

Good luck to Alexandria as she takes the NBCOT exam, and we look forward to her receiving her certification.

The application for the 2026 OT Dream Award will open in February 2026.

STRIDE Mentored Funding Applications Closing July 7

There’s a growing recognition that occupational therapy research must better reflect the people and communities it serves. But recognition alone isn’t enough. We need to create purposeful pathways that eliminate obstacles and provide genuine support.

Many occupational therapy (OT) scholars, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, those with disabilities, and/or those working in under-resourced settings, encounter systemic challenges when attempting to engage in research. These challenges may include a lack of mentorship, limited access to institutional resources, and funding gaps that hinder their ability to participate fully in the scientific conversation.

The Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Mentored Research Scholarship exists to change that.

AOTF STRIDE Scholarship

The scholarship, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and guided by the STRIDE committee, offers scholars valuable research experience with a dedicated mentor, either online or in person. This opportunity fosters skill development, professional growth, and engagement in national research networks.

 

In 2024, STRIDE awardees focused on various research topics, including maternal health, hospital readmissions, and neurodiverse youth. Their work, along with previous recipients, contributes to the advancement of occupational therapy (OT) through personal experiences, professional commitment, and mentorship.

 

Mentored. Funded. Empowered.
That’s what STRIDE offers: funded support for tomorrow’s OT leaders.

Apply by July 7 to take the next step in your research journey.

OTJR Year in Review and Plans for Growth

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