Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy

Accepting applications now through October 22, 2025

The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTA/AOTF) are pleased to announce the 2026 Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy ~ April 24-25, 2026 in Anaheim, CA.

The sessions will match potential student scientists with doctoral and post-doctorate mentors. Program participants will meet with leading occupational therapy scientists to address topics such as possibilities within OT science, considerations when evaluating potential doctoral programs, and career opportunities as a scientist.

Purpose of the Institute

The purpose of the Institute is: (1) to identify potential scientists in entry-level education programs; (2) to connect potential entry-level scientists with mentors in the occupational therapy scientific community; and (3) to develop a peer network.

Who is invited?

A cohort of entry-level students will be selected to participate in the in-person Institute on April 24-25, 2026 at the INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo in Anaheim, CA. The facilitators and mentors of the Institute will be composed of faculty and doctoral/post-doctoral students from established research programs around the nation.

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a current student in occupational therapy program with an interest in science and research in the field of occupational therapy.

The intent of the program is to train and mentor future occupational therapy scientific researchers who may have limited exposure to research opportunities at their current institution, therefore, students attending research intensive institutions and/or institutions with a heavy research mission are not eligible (e.g., DRU-VH Carnegie Classification).  

If you are unsure of your eligibility, email edleadership@aota.org.

Program requirements

Students who participate in the Institute are expected to continue in the field of scientific research in occupational therapy. As such, participants will be asked to complete an annual survey to report on the progress they have made in their scientific pursuits.