The Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) is now soliciting applications for the 2012 OPERF Research Award Program. According to OPERF, the program, now in its fourth year, is designed to encourage and stimulate research at all levels in the O&P profession. More than $37,000 in awards is being offered in 2012. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 are available in the following categories.
2012 OPERF Resident Travel Awards
The OPERF Resident Travel Award Program is designed to help O&P residents travel to the 2013 American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium to present their National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)-required Resident Directed Study Report. Up to two $1,000 Resident Travel Awards will be given to meritorious O&P residents seeking to share the results of their directed study at the Annual Meeting.
2012 OPERF Fellowship Awards
The OPERF Fellowship Program is designed to support quality graduate education research related to the O&P profession. Up to two $5,000 Fellowship Awards will be given to meritorious and qualified students to support their graduate research.
2012 OPERF Small Grant Award
The OPERF Small Grant Program is designed to support quality investigator-initiated research related to the O&P profession. Small-grant funding of up to $25,000 will be made available to support qualified and capable investigators to conduct novel and clinically relevant O&P research. One Small Grant Award will be offered in 2012.
According to OPERF, the awards are made available through the donations of O&P professionals, business owners, manufacturers, and organizations. The foundation stated, “This support demonstrates the continued commitment of O&P professionals to research. O&P residents, graduate students, and investigators are encouraged to apply.”
Details regarding the OPERF Research Award Program, specific award descriptions, submission instructions, deadlines, and application forms may be found on the OPERF website.
