Student Research Grant in Occupational Science

2026 Request for Proposals

Introduction

SSO:USA’s mission is to facilitate high quality scholarship and a dynamic exchange of ideas that support

the discipline of occupational science. To support this mission, SSO:USA invites student grant proposals

that demonstrate direct relevance to at least one of the following priorities:

1) Expands knowledge of occupation;

2) Fosters an understanding of the fundamental nature of occupation relative to health and well-being;

3) Explores innovative methods to study occupation;

4) Explores the interrelationship of the discipline of occupational science and related disciplines and

professions, including but not limited to occupational therapy.

Vision for the Funding

• SSO:USA will promote and fund student research and presentations on the study of occupation.

• The funding will grant one or more modest annual financial award(s) directly to students who are

engaged in (or propose being engaged in) research that will enhance and enlarge the body of

knowledge in occupational science. Ideal candidates will emphasize occupational science

scholarship as a substantial part of their future career.

• Funds up to $2,000.00 total will be awarded for one or more current projects that will be

completed within two years of proposal submission. The number of total awards will be

determined by the proposal review committee, based on proposed budgets and proposal quality.

• Award recipients are required to present their research results at an SSO:USA sponsored event

within 2 years of grant receipt. Registration fees will be comped for the student awardee for the

event at which they present.

Purpose of the Funding

• Promote and support student research on occupation. This may include, but is not restricted to, scholarship that explores how social, cultural, and/or structural conditions shape occupational participation, opportunity, health, and well-being.

• Support research expenses, such as transportation, transcribing services, statistical analysis support, purchase of software or equipment, consultation with experts, or other needs for completion or enhancement of research projects.

• Note: SSO:USA’s Student Research Grant is not intended to support occupational therapy program development or quality improvement efforts.

Eligibility

• All applicants must be current members in good standing of SSO:USA.

• Members of the SSO:USA Board and selected grant reviewers will not be eligible to apply during their tenure in those roles.

• Applicants must be bachelors, masters or doctorate-level students currently conducting or proposing research in occupational science.

• Eligible budget items include existing or future research costs or expenses that have been incurred up to 4 months prior to submission of the SSO:USA Student Research Grant application.

• Research must demonstrate direct relevance to at least one of the SSO:USA priorities stated above.

Application Process

The student will submit the proposal through the SSO:USA website.

Log in as a member at https://sso-usa.net/.

Timeline

• March 18: A notice of Request for Proposal (RFP) is widely distributed.

• April 1: Virtual information session for interested applicants. (Optional)

• April 30: Deadline for applications to be received.

• May: Eligible applications are sent for review.

• June: Reviews returned.

• July: Board determines funding decision(s); awardee(s) and all other applicants notified.

• October: Awardee(s) recognized at annual SSO:USA conference.

• Up to two years following receipt of funds: Awardee(s) will submit a final report of the research project, including a record of expenses/budget.

Deadline

• Proposals due April 30, 2026, at midnight EDT.

Proposal Guidelines and Scoring (50 possible points)

• Proposals must be submitted as a Word document that is formatted with 1-inch margins, single spacing, and 12-point font.

• Proposals must be the work of the student applying for funding, although mentorship for proposal development is highly encouraged as part of student development.

I. Abstract (5 points)

Describe the project goal(s) and/or hypothesis, specific aims, research methods, expected results, and significance/relevance to SSO:USA’s mission. (250 words maximum)

II. Research Plan (4 pages maximum)

A. Background and Significance (5 points): Does this study address an important problem? Does the proposal describe the relevance of the research project to one or more of the priorities of SSO:USA?

Note: Proposals addressing SSO:USA Priority #4 (above) must expressly state how their research will contribute to the discipline of occupational science. For example: Given the symbiotic relationship of occupational science and occupational therapy, research may focus on an aspect of occupational therapy practice, but applicants must describe how the work is grounded in occupational science theory and will have significance for occupational science.

B. Method (10 points): Are the conceptual framework, design, sample, methods, and analyses adequately

developed, well-integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?

C. Data Management and Ethics (5 points): If the project includes human subjects, are plans for protection of human subjects and inclusion of minorities and members of all sexes/genders, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed? If the project involves publicly available data sets or other non-human subjects research, are the plans for ethical engagement and protection of the data sufficient and appropriately described?

III. Connection of research to SSO:USA mission (10 points)

Describe how the project supports the mission of the SSO:USA to build the body of knowledge in occupational science to benefit humanity. Address potential of the project to support future research (in the field and/or towards the applicant’s individual career development). (1 page maximum)

IV. Investigator and Environment

A. Biographical Sketch of student investigator (5 points): Include a personal statement discussing skills and expertise relevant to the project, research experience, and professional goals. List previous education, scholarly products, and any relevant awards. NIH format optional. (2 pages maximum)

B. Resources and Research Environment (3 points): Does the application describe the resources and environment that will support the successful completion of the project? If the project will be building on an existing protocol or sample, the process should be specified. Describe current funding or potential additional funding sources. Please include a general statement about the mentoring resources and support available to this project. (1 page maximum)

V. Budget and Budget Justification (4 points)

Provide a budget and justification for each item. Describe how the budget is appropriate to support the project. (Note: Indirect costs are not funded.) (1 page maximum)

A. Research Personnel

B. Research Supplies

C. Research Equipment

D. Research Travel

E. Consultants

F. Publication and Data Analysis Costs

G. Other

VI. Project Plan (3 points)

Provide a timeline for the project that includes primary actions and actors to initiate, complete, and disseminate the project. One submitted presentation at the SSO:USA Annual Conference is required within 2 years of award. (1 page maximum)

Receive up to $2,000 for your research!

SSO:USA invites student applications for research

to enhance knowledge in occupational science.

Proposals due April 30, 2026

Funding to be allocated as early as July 2026.

Applicants must be members in good standing of SSO:USA.

Funded research must be completed within two years of the award.

Online info session (optional): Wednesday, April 1, 5:00pm CDT.

For full details of proposal requirements, review guidelines, info session,

and to submit, please visit the “Students” section of SSO:USA’s website:

https://sso-usa.net/