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

February 20, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 11:59 PM EST)

$5,000 for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship; no indirect costs allowed.

Supports postdoctoral research advancing occupational therapy theory, client-centered practice, and therapeutic use of self.

--- ## Description This fellowship honors Nedra Gillette’s legacy by supporting a postdoctoral researcher conducting foundational and innovative research in occupational therapy. The award encourages interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies that explore how health, participation in valued roles, and social justice influence the human condition. Special emphasis is placed on advancing theoretical foundations of occupational therapy, client-centered and occupation-based innovations, and refining the therapeutic use of self to enhance client engagement in treatment. The fellowship aims to foster research that contributes to the evolution of occupational therapy science. --- ## Due Dates - February 20, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST to be eligible) --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 for a one-year project period - No indirect costs (F&A) allowed - Funds must support the research efforts of the postdoctoral fellow; no specific restrictions beyond this requirement Award period: September 8, 2026 – September 7, 2027 Awardees may request a single no-cost extension (up to 3 months) if needed. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Hold an occupational therapy (OT) degree and a doctorate (PhD/OTD/DrOT/ScD) in OT or a non-OT field (if non-OT, postdoc must be performed in an OT department) - Have a mentor with expertise relevant to the proposed research - Have IRB approval in process or obtained prior to applying (funds released only after IRB approval is documented) - Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution (non-profit) - Be a U.S. citizen or possess appropriate residency/visa documentation --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Proposal Central](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12370&ProposalID=-1) - Create a user account on Proposal Central to access and complete the application - Required documents: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages, 12pt font) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages) - Letter of recommendation from mentor - Mentor’s letter of commitment - High-resolution applicant photo (300 dpi+) - Proof of citizenship/residence/visa - IRB approval (can be pending at submission, but required for funding disbursement) - Research essay (up to 6,000 characters) describing project’s alignment with fellowship focus - Budget justification (up to 6,000 characters) for all expenses - Validate application for completeness before final submission - E-signatures from applicant required - Confirmation of submission provided by email [Detailed Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Post%20Doc_%20Fellowships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=PgW7YEak_YXGDXRcQCtNTg%3d%3d) [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) --- ## Additional Information - Funds may be paid directly to the awardee or to their U.S. sponsoring institution - Award period is fixed regardless of IRB approval date, but funds are not released until IRB approval is received - Awardees must submit a final report within 30 days of project completion - For five years after project completion, awardees must provide updates on publications, presentations, grant activity, and other outcomes related to the funded research - Acknowledgment of AOTF support is required in all dissemination activities --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Nedra-Gillette-Endowed-Research-Fellowship) - [Application Portal (Proposal Central)](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12370&ProposalID=-1) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Post%20Doc_%20Fellowships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=PgW7YEak_YXGDXRcQCtNTg%3d%3d) - [Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Images/Fellowship%20and%20Scholarship_Award%20Guidelines_2026_2.pdf?ver=Rh4rh-ZORvXcm0iEubNovQ%3d%3d%27) - [AOTF Grants Overview](https://www.aotf.org/Grants) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [research@aotf.org](mailto:research@aotf.org) | | AOTF Foundation | [AOTF Contact Page](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) | | Proposal Central Help | 800-875-2562 (US/Canada), +1-703-964-5840 (International), [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) | ---

Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship

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