The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (O&P Foundation) announced an AOPA-sponsored research grant with funding up to $50,000 available in spring 2026.
The grant will fund research advancing the structural safety and quality of prosthetic sockets, addressing critical knowledge gaps identified by AOPA’s Socket Guidance Workgroup, a multidisciplinary, international team of experts developing evidence-based best practices and technical guidance for prosthetic socket quality and safety.
Building on its 2023 white paper and international consensus activities, AOPA has designated a portion of its 2025 contribution to the O&P Foundation to fund the research.
“AOPA is grateful for the O&P Foundation’s support of addressing the research gaps identified by our Socket Guidance Workgroup. Supporting research that addresses these gaps is an important step in improving the guidelines for socket design which in turn will improve the lives of those with limb loss who use a prosthesis,” said Teri Kuffel, JD, AOPA’s executive director.
“This partnership between AOPA and the O&P Foundation demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing patient safety and quality of care. By investing in research that strengthens our understanding of socket structural integrity, we are helping ensure that every prosthesis is not only functional and comfortable, but fundamentally safe and evidence-based,” said Fanny Schultea, the O&P Foundation’s executive director.
