[American Occupational Therapy Association](https://www.aota.org)

January 2026 (Application Opens) | February 2026 (Application Deadline)

$5,000 per award; typically 1 award annually; funds must be used during candidacy.

Supports innovative doctoral research to advance occupational therapy science and theory, honoring Dr. Gary Kielhofner’s legacy.

--- ## Description The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship is designed to advance the field of occupational therapy by supporting doctoral-level research that explores or develops models and approaches related to social justice, human volition, or bridges the gap between research and practice. The scholarship also encourages research extending theoretical foundations, developing client-centered and occupation-based innovations, and piloting novel intervention techniques. Established in memory of Dr. Gary Kielhofner—renowned for the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO)—the award aims to nurture the next generation of research leaders in occupational therapy. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Opens (Anticipated):** January 2026 - **Full Application Deadline (Anticipated):** February 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $5,000 (one-time, non-renewable) - **Number of Awards:** Typically one per year - **Funding Period:** Must be used during doctoral candidacy; no carryover after graduation - **Allowable Costs:** Research-related expenses only; no salary or indirect costs --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent). - Have completed all coursework except for the dissertation writing and defense. - Have successfully defended their dissertation proposal at the time of application. - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution. - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residency/visa documentation. - Have IRB approval in process or granted by the time of funding release. - Work with a mentor who has expertise in the proposed research area. - Agree to use funds during the doctoral candidacy period. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application:** Review and follow the [official application instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Research%20Docs/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202024-2025_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=6R62-DVPZEHBBqqkKgJR4g%3d%3d). 2. **Online Submission:** Apply via ProposalCentral (account required). 3. **Required Materials:** - Applicant and mentor biosketches (max 5 pages each) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense - Letter of recommendation from mentor - Research essay (up to 6000 characters) describing alignment with the scholarship focus - Detailed budget and justification - High-resolution applicant photo - Proof of citizenship/residency - IRB approval (required for funding, not necessarily at submission) 4. **Validation & Submission:** Validate all sections in the portal before final submission. 5. **Signature:** E-signature required prior to submission. 6. **Confirmation:** Applicants receive confirmation upon successful submission. --- ## Additional Information - The scholarship is **non-renewable** but previous recipients may reapply if still eligible. - Funds can be sent directly to the awardee or through the institution. - Awardees must provide a final report within 30 days of project completion and submit updates on research outputs for five years post-award. - Proper acknowledgement of AOTF support is required in all resulting publications, presentations, and media. - No membership in AOTA is required, but professional involvement is encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Kielhofner-Doctoral-Research-Scholarship) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Research%20Docs/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202024-2025_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=6R62-DVPZEHBBqqkKgJR4g%3d%3d) - [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Fellowship%20%26%20Scholarship%20Award%20Guidelines_2024-2025_1.pdf) - [How to Apply](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/How-to-Apply) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/FAQ) - [List of Available Scholarships](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/Available-Scholarships) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Program/Eligibility | [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | Application Platform | pcsupport@altum.com (ProposalCentral Support) | | General Scholarships | [scholarships@aotf.org](mailto:scholarships@aotf.org) | | Phone | 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) / 240-292-1077 | | AOTA Contact Page | [Contact AOTA](https://www.aota.org/about/contact-aota) | ---

Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy

Sign in to see full grant listing