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.

“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!

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.

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.

The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research (OTJR), published by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), is proud to introduce a new Infographic Series—created to help bridge the gap between research and practice.

These visually engaging, evidence-informed resources are designed to make core concepts in occupational therapy more accessible, shareable, and ready for implementation across various settings.

Whether you're supporting emotional regulation, promoting daily function, or working in emerging areas of occupational therapy (OT) practice, our infographics can serve as quick references, teaching tools, or conversation starters with clients, caregivers, students, and colleagues.

Our first infographic highlights the Zones of Regulation™ framework—an approach that helps individuals identify and manage emotions using four color-coded zones: Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. It’s a powerful tool for building self-awareness, supporting co-regulation, and creating a shared language around emotions in clinical and educational environments.

Download the Zones of Regulation infographic and use it in your sessions, classrooms, or team discussions. This is just the beginning. We’ll continue adding more OTJR infographics to the AOTF website throughout the year—all grounded in occupational therapy research and designed to help you bring evidence to life in your daily work. Stay tuned—and thank you for helping us move OT research forward!