[American Occupational Therapy Foundation](https://www.aotf.org)

September 2026 | February 2027

$5,000 per award; one-year funding period; no indirect costs or salary support.

Supports doctoral candidates in occupational therapy conducting research on sensory integration and processing.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and may change.

--- ## Description This scholarship supports emerging occupational therapy scientists conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing, particularly projects that advance the field of occupational therapy and improve care delivery. Established in honor of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, the award aims to foster research that addresses the needs of diverse and underserved populations and contributes to the evidence base for occupational therapy practice. Funds may be used for dissertation research or other studies focused on sensory integration and processing. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) - February 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 per award. - One-year funding period (anticipated start: September 2026). - No indirect (F&A) costs allowed. - Funds may not be used for salary support for the applicant or mentor. - Funding is contingent upon IRB approval. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, EdD, DrPH, or equivalent). - Have completed all departmental and institutional coursework except for dissertation writing and defense. - Have successfully scheduled and/or defended their dissertation proposal (official documentation required). - Have IRB approval in process or secured prior to funding release. - Have a mentor with expertise relevant to the proposed research. - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution. - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residency/visa documentation. - Use funds for research on sensory integration and processing (may be for dissertation or another qualifying study). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1). - Required materials: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages, ≥12pt font) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense (e.g., letter from committee chair) - Letter of recommendation from mentor - High-resolution applicant photo (≥300 dpi) - Proof of citizenship/residency/visa - Budget and budget justification (funds must be used for research expenses only) - IRB approval (required before funds are released; can be pending at submission) - Applicants must complete a PI Data Sheet (demographic info). - E-signature required prior to submission. - Validate application in the system before final submission. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees must agree to use funds during the doctoral candidacy period; no carryover after graduation. - Final report required within 30 days of project completion. - Awardees are expected to acknowledge AOTF support in all publications, presentations, and press releases related to the funded research. - For five years post-award, recipients must provide updates to AOTF on publications, presentations, new grants, and related activities. - A one-time, no-cost extension (up to 3 months) may be requested if needed. --- ## External Links - [Scholarship Program Page](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Dr-A-Jean-Ayres-Doctoral-Candidate-Scholarship) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=WkhP2aZ_E8xYrwVi6stxyw%3d%3d) - [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) - [AOTF Grants Overview](https://www.aotf.org/Grants) - [Scholarships FAQ](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/FAQ) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | Funder Website | [https://www.aotf.org](https://www.aotf.org) | | AOTF Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) | | Application Platform Help | pcsupport@altum.com
800-875-2562 (US/Canada toll-free)
+1-703-964-5840 |

Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship

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