Hand in Hand Research Grant
Hand in Hand Research Grant supports early-career hand therapists conducting community-engaged research to strengthen evidence, inform everyday therapy practice, and lay groundwork for larger studies.
This grant was recently updated
Applications for the 2027 Hand in Hand Research Grant are now open until November 2, 2026, replacing the previous notice that the 2026 cycle was closed and 2027 information would follow in the fall.
Funder: American Society of Hand Therapists
Due Dates: August 14, 2026 (Applications open) | November 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET (Full application) | February 15–19, 2027 (Award notifications)
Funding Amounts: $50,000 for one year
Summary: Supports early-stage, community-engaged research that strengthens evidence and real-world practice in hand and upper extremity therapy.
Key Information: Principal investigators must be early-career, certified hand therapists with doctoral qualifications and a full-time faculty or equivalent research appointment.
Description
The Hand in Hand Research Grant is a collaboration among the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), and American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF). This proof-of-concept initiative supports foundational research that builds evidence for hand and upper extremity therapy and lays groundwork for larger studies. It emphasizes partnerships among researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders throughout the research process.
The program centers community perspectives to make research relevant, equitable, and actionable in everyday practice. Community includes individuals, groups, and organizations connected by shared characteristics, geography, or social identity, including race or ethnicity, disability status, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Research priorities include health disparities, comparative effectiveness, clinical practice and outcome validation, and orthosis use and biophysical agents.
