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

February 20, 2026

$30,000 for one year, with possible competitive renewal for a second year.

Supports postdoctoral research training in occupational therapy for individuals from underrepresented minority groups.

Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline; IRB approval is required for funding release.

--- ## Description The Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, established by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), aims to enhance the diversity of the occupational therapy workforce by supporting postdoctoral research training for individuals from underrepresented minority groups. The fellowship provides financial support to postdoctoral researchers in occupational therapy, fostering advanced research skills and contributing to the growth and inclusivity of the field. It is specifically designed for candidates who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or individuals with disabilities, as defined by the National Science Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - February 20, 2026: Full application submission deadline (must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST). --- ## Funding Amount - The fellowship provides $30,000 for one year. - There is the possibility of a competitive renewal for a second year. - Up to 17% of the fellowship amount may be used for supplies, small equipment, and/or travel to present research at a meeting. - The majority of funds are intended to support the fellow’s salary. - No compensation to mentors, co-investigators, or consultants; tuition expenses are not allowed. - No indirect or F&A costs are allowed. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Belong to an underrepresented group: Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or be a person with a disability (see [NSF definition](https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21321/report/field-of-degree-minorities)). - Hold an occupational therapy (OT) degree and a doctorate in OT or a related/non-OT field (PhD/OTD/DrOT/ScD). If the doctorate is in a non-OT field, the postdoc research must be conducted in an OT department. - Have a mentor with expertise in the proposed research area. - Have IRB approval in process or obtained prior to application (required for funding release). - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution. - Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residence/visa documentation. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12370&ProposalID=-1). - Required materials include: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages, 12pt font) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages, 12pt font) - Letter of recommendation from the mentor - Mentor’s letter of commitment - High-resolution photo of applicant - Proof of citizenship/residence permit/visa - IRB approval (optional at submission, required before funding is released) - Detailed instructions and templates are available in the [2026 Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Post%20Doc_%20Fellowships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=PgW7YEak_YXGDXRcQCtNTg%3d%3d) and [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27). - Application must be submitted by February 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. --- ## Additional Information - The award period for 2026 is from September 8, 2026, to September 7, 2027. - IRB approval is mandatory before the release of any funds. - Awardees must submit a mid-year progress report and a final report within 30 days of project completion. - Awardees are required to acknowledge AOTF support in all publications, presentations, and press releases. - For five years after project completion, awardees must provide updates to AOTF on related publications, presentations, and grant activities. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Program Page](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Nancy-Talbot-Postdoctoral-Research-Fellowship) - [2026 Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Post%20Doc_%20Fellowships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=PgW7YEak_YXGDXRcQCtNTg%3d%3d) - [2026 Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) - [Application Portal (ProposalCentral)](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12370&ProposalID=-1) - [NSF Underrepresented Groups Reference](https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21321/report/field-of-degree-minorities) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Email | aotf@aotf.org | | Research Grants | research@aotf.org | | Phone | 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) | | Funder Contact | [AOTF Contact Page](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) | | ProposalCentral Support | pcsupport@altum.com; 800-875-2562 (US/Canada); +1-703-964-5840 (Intl) | ---

Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

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