USA Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is now accepting applications for the Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026. This prestigious fellowship honors the legacy of Nancy Talbot, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, and aims to support postdoctoral research training in occupational therapy.
The program provides $30,000 in funding for one year, with the possibility of a competitive renewal for a second year. It is designed to improve diversity in the occupational therapy workforce by supporting postdoctoral researchers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Degree Level
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Available Subjects
- Occupational Therapy / Health-related sciences
Benefits
Funding Amount: $30,000 (renewable for a second year)
Why Apply for the Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Fellowship?
This fellowship not only supports advanced occupational therapy research but also promotes diversity and inclusion in the healthcare research community. Postdoctoral fellows gain mentorship, research opportunities, and financial support to conduct impactful studies in areas that improve health outcomes.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to US citizens only.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Belong to one of the underrepresented racial or ethnic groups: Black or African American, Hispanic or LatinX, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander.
Hold an Occupational Therapy degree and a doctorate (PhD/OTD/DrOT/ScD).
Applicants with non-OT doctorates must conduct their postdoctoral research in an OT department.
Have a research mentor with expertise in the proposed area of study.
Possess IRB approval (or in process) for the research project before applying.
Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution.
Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate visa/residency documents.
Application Procedure
Applicants will need to prepare the following:
Completed application form (instructions released Fall 2025)
Research proposal with IRB approval
Mentor support documentation
Compliance with award guidelines
Important Dates:
Applications Open: January 5, 2026
Deadline: February 20, 2026
For more details, visit the AOTF official website or contact research@aotf.org.
Conclusion
The Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a unique opportunity for underrepresented scholars to advance occupational therapy research while honoring the contributions of Nancy Talbot to the OT profession. With $30,000 in funding, strong mentorship, and a commitment to diversity, this fellowship is an excellent pathway for postdoctoral researchers to make an impact in healthcare and science.
