Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship
Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship supports occupational therapy doctoral candidates with research and dissemination expenses to advance occupational therapy science and practice.
Funder: American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Due Dates: January 5, 2027 (Applications open) | February 19, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 for doctoral research expenses
Summary: Supports occupational therapy doctoral candidates establishing research agendas that advance occupational therapy science and practice.
Key Information: Research must take place at a U.S. academic institution; award guidelines limit funding to U.S. nonprofit institutions.
Description
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) administers this scholarship in honor of Dr. Gary Kielhofner’s commitment to rigorous research, innovative thinking, and developing future occupational therapy scientists. The award helps doctoral candidates establish research agendas and covers research and dissemination expenses. Contributions from his family, friends, colleagues, and the occupational therapy community have fully endowed the scholarship for annual awards.
The current program page emphasizes adult mental health and serious mental illness, implementation science, and evidence-based practice adoption. The previous-cycle application instructions describe a broader Kielhofner focus: social justice, human volition, bridging research and practice, occupational therapy theory, client-centered and occupation-based innovations, novel interventions, and new uses of existing data or measures. Applicants whose work fits the broader focus should confirm the current research requirements with AOTF.
