he AOF believes that the future of Osteopathic research depends on supporting the next generation of investigators. Yet many early-career researchers face obstacles that make it difficult to launch independent studies, including limited funding, time constraints, lack of research experience, and restricted access to mentors and collaborative research teams. The Osteopathic Research Incubator Grant program was created to help overcome these barriers by providing seed funding and early support for innovative osteopathic research projects. By investing in emerging investigators at a critical stage in their careers, the program helps build research capacity, develop expertise, and cultivate projects with the potential to advance osteopathic medicine and grow into larger, externally funded initiatives.

Purpose

The Osteopathic Research Incubator Grant program funds proof-of-concept, pilot, and feasibility studies that advance Osteopathic Medicine and contribute to the evidence base supporting Osteopathic principles and practice. Designed for early-career investigators, the program provides critical seed funding to launch original research projects, generate preliminary data, and build research expertise. By investing in researchers at the beginning of their scholarly careers, the program seeks to strengthen the pipeline of Osteopathic physician-scientists and prepare recipients to successfully compete for larger research grants and external funding opportunities.

Grant

A limited number of seed grants, ranging from $1,000 - $5,000, will be awarded to early career investigators for a project period of 12-24 months. Payments will be made in two installments: 75% upon signing of the grant agreement and 25% upon completion of a final report within 30 days of the end of the project period. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants should be an Osteopathic medical student, resident, or fellow at the time of application and throughout the duration of the project period. 
• Individuals who have previously obtained research funding from a federal agency, the AOA, or the AOF are not eligible. 
• Applicants must identify at least one experienced DO mentor with expertise relevant to the proposed research. The mentor should have a demonstrated history of research and scholarly activity and be prepared to provide meaningful guidance throughout the project. Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, reviewing the application prior to submission, and providing ongoing mentorship to enhance scientific rigor, feasibility, and the investigator's professional development as a future osteopathic physician-scientist.
• Applicant’s proposal must promote research validating the principles and practice of Osteopathic medicine.
• The applicant assumes full administrative, fiscal, ethical, and scientific responsibility for the conduct of the project.
• Current AOA membership is required to apply (students may register for complimentary AOA membership).
• Applicants are only eligible to receive this grant once.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – applicants may apply directly 
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the applicant’s mentor, on institutional letterhead, describing their background, role in the research project, their commitment to the applicant’s training, and experience mentoring other students, residents, or junior faculty level researchers. The mentor must be a DO and have significant experience conducting Osteopathic research.
• CV/Resume/Bio sketch including all previous applicable experience and training, including any professional memberships (Osteopathic or other), research experience, etc. A sample NIH biographical sketch format page is located here.
• Abstract/Summary Page that includes the following elements: Title, Background, Purpose/Specific Aims, Methods/Study Design, Hypothesis, and Significance of Study. Winning proposals may have this summary published on the AOF website.
• Research Project Plan that clearly outlines the background, hypothesis(es), specific aims, and scientific approaches that will be taken to address each specific aim. An impact statement should also be included that describes the importance of this research to the practice of Osteopathic medicine. 
• Project Budget detailing all anticipated expenditures and funding sources using the provided template. Justifiable research expenses include but are not limited to data collection equipment, materials/supplies, statistical consultation, patient/subject honorarium, publication fees. Grant funds may not be used for indirect costs or salary support of investigators or co-investigators. 
• Project Timeline that includes the start and end date as well as any important anticipated milestones, dissemination plan for findings and next steps, and a description of applicant’s progress to date, if applicable. 
• Applications whose research involves the use of human subjects, or any data or material obtained from human subjects must provide an IRB approval letter. 
• Proof of current AOA membership.

Additional Requirements

• Recipients are required to submit a final grant report with documentation. Final payment is contingent on report completion.
• It is the expectation of the AOF that recipients will submit their research to a scientific meeting or for publication in a peer review journal. If an abstract or poster is accepted for a meeting in the contiguous United States, the grantee will be eligible to apply for an additional travel grant to present the work. 
• Recipients will acknowledge the support of the American Osteopathic Foundation in all reports or presentations of research results achieved through this grant.

Review Process

Applications will be accepted from Monday, August 17 through Monday, September 28, 2026. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed. Applicants will be notified before December 31, 2026, and approved grants will be disbursed within 30 days upon completion of the required paperwork.

Application is available on AOF's portal here.