Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship
Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship supports occupational therapist doctoral candidates' sensory integration and processing research to advance occupational therapy and improve care.
Funder: American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Due Dates: January 5, 2027 (Applications open) | February 19, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 for sensory integration and sensory processing research
Summary: Supports occupational therapist doctoral candidates conducting sensory integration and sensory processing research to advance occupational therapy and improve care delivery.
Key Information: Applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation proposal by the time of application.
Description
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) offers this scholarship to support occupational therapist doctoral candidates researching sensory integration and sensory processing. It responds to growing demand for evidence-based sensory interventions across pediatric and adult populations by helping emerging scientists advance the field. Funding can support dissertation research or another sensory-focused research study, including data collection, analysis, research materials, assessments, and dissemination.
The program also emphasizes implementation science within occupational therapy. Its priorities include rigorous methodology, adoption of evidence-based practice, and innovative approaches to implementation challenges. It aims to build capacity for larger-scale implementation studies, federal funding applications, collaborative research networks, and policy and practice change initiatives.
