This grant was established to advance the scientific training of New Investigators who are interested in conducting research projects in clinical science or health services that will contribute to the field of Osteopathic medical research. 

Purpose

The AOF New Investigator Osteopathic Research Grant was established to support early-career investigators conducting research that advances Osteopathic Medicine.  By providing funding at a critical stage of professional development, these grants help emerging researchers build the experience, expertise, and scholarly track record necessary to establish independent research programs and contribute to the growth of Osteopathic Medical Research.

New investigators are defined as Principal Investigators (PIs) who have completed their terminal research degree or post-graduate clinical training, whichever occurred later, within the past ten (10) years. The grant is intended to support investigators during their transition from research participation to research leadership, helping them establish independent research programs and build the foundation for long-term scholarly success.

Individuals who have previously served as a PI or an AOA or AOF-funded research grant, or who have received an NIH R01 grant, or equivalent major external research award, as Principal Investigator are not eligible to apply. 

Award
Up to two (2) separate grants of $12,500 will be granted. Payments will be made to the investigator’s institution in two installments: 75% upon signing of grant agreement and 25% upon completion of final report. The project period may extend to 24 months, with a final report due 30 days post. 

Eligibility

• Principal Investigator (the applicant) must be an Osteopathic Physician (DO) who has completed post-graduate clinical training (e.g., residency, fellowship) within the past 10 years. 
• Current AOA membership required. 
• Novel projects are preferred, but supplemental projects of existing research studies will be considered. Applicants must provide information regarding the parent study, and what questions the supplemental project will seek to address.
• Proposals must align with one of the following:
  1. Clinical Research. Focuses on patient outcomes, safety, cost-effectiveness, or physiological mechanisms of Osteopathic care. 
  2. Community Health Research. Focuses on preventative medicine, public health interventions, or healthcare delivery in underserved or rural populations.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form – applicants may apply directly 
• 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 states how the results will directly improve or validate the clinical practice of Osteopathic medicine.
• Project Budget & Justification detailing anticipated expenditures and funding sources. Justifiable research expenses include but are not limited to: data collection equipment, materials/supplies, statistical consultation, patient/subject honorarium, publication fees. Grant funds cannot be used for indirect costs (overhead), PI salary, clinical billing offsets, or international travel. 100% of funds must go directly to project execution.
• Project Timeline to include the start and end date as well as any important anticipated milestones, dissemination plan for findings and next steps, and a description of progress to date, if applicable. 
• Two (2) letters of recommendation, including:
  • One (1) letter of recommendation from the individual’s institution confirming that institution will provide the researcher with the necessary physical space, equipment, and basic administrative oversight to complete the project; and
  • One (1) letter from an individual of the nominee’s choosing; letters from Osteopathic professionals are preferred. 
• Applications whose research involves the use of human subjects, or any data or material obtained from human subjects must provide an IRB approval letter. 
• All applicants must provide proof of AOA membership to be considered.

Additional Requirements

• It is the expectation of the AOF that research results are submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal. All publications shall acknowledge the support of the American Osteopathic Foundation.
• Grant recipients are required to submit a Final Grant Report along with documentation supporting expenditures. Final payment is contingent on report completion.

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. Approved grants will receive their first installment within 30 days upon completion of the required paperwork.

 Click here to access the application portal.