AOTF-AOTA Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy

Anaheim, CA

A cohort of entry-level OT students will be selected to participate in the American Occupational Therapy Foundation/ American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTF/AOTA) Institute of Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy on April 24-25, 2026, at the AOTA INSPRIRE Annual Conference & Expo in Anaheim, Calif. The in-person sessions will match potential student scientists with doctoral and post-doctorate mentors. Program participants will meet with leading occupational therapy scientists to discuss topics such as possibilities within OT science, considerations when evaluating potential doctoral programs, and career opportunities in the field of science.

Eligibility:

• To apply, you must be a student currently enrolled in an OT program with an interest in science and research in the field of OT.
• As the program aims to train and mentor future occupational therapy scientific researchers who may have limited exposure to research opportunities at their current institution, students attending research intensive institutions and/or institutions with a heavy research mission are not eligible (e.g., DRU-VH Carnegie Classification). Students from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply supporting the Associations’ objective of developing a clinical and research workforce to meet society’s diverse occupational needs in underserved areas or communities. 
• If you are unsure of your eligibility, email edleadership@aota.org.

Applications closed October 22, 2025. Selected participants are posted below.