Awards and Honors

The Academy of Physical Therapy Research recognizes excellence in physical therapy research annually through a variety of awards and provides opportunities to both student and regular members via competitive awards.

APTA National Awards

APTA National Awards: 

The Awards Committee of the Academy of Physical Therapy Research (APTR) is seeking nominations for APTR support for the following APTA national awards:

• APTA Emerging Leader Award 
• Eugene Michels New Investigator Award
• Helen J. Hislop Award
• Jules Rothstein Award
• Marian Williams Award for Research in Physical Therapy

To view descriptions and guidelines of the APTA awards, please visit the Honors and Awards page on the APTA website.

Please submit a letter of recommendation to [email protected] by November 1, 2024 

John P. Maley Award

John P. Maley Award ~ Due September 15, 2025:

The 2025 John P Maley nomination process is now open. The Awards Committee of the Academy of Physical Therapy Research is seeking nominations for the John P Maley Award.

Please send nominations to the Academy by September 15, 2025 at [email protected].

Criteria for Selection

  1. Outstanding contributions to leadership in research over a sustained period of time
  2. Results of the leadership must be documented
  3. Individual must show evidence of sustained contact and interest in research in physical therapy

Nominations must include:

  • A letter of nomination for the candidate
  • A current curriculum vitae for the candidate

Research Traveling Fellows Award

This award is open to Academy of Physical Therapy Research members only.

The purpose of this program is to facilitate direct interactions between junior and senior investigators. The program will allow up to 3 separate fellows to travel to the lab of their choice. Fellows will be responsible for defining the scope of the work to be completed during their visit. The expectation is that they will participate in structured research experiences designed to meet their specific long-term research program objectives. 

Awards will be limited up to $3,500 per fellow. Applications are due by September 15, 2025.

Traveling Fellows Application (word doc)
Traveling Fellows Rubric (pdf reference)

Student Travel Award

CSM Student Travel Grant ~ Applications Due September 15, 2025 

Are you an entry-level physical therapy, physical therapist assistant, PhD or post-doctoral student member interested in attending CSM? Are you interested in pursuing and utilizing research after graduation?

The Academy of Physical Therapy Research (APTR) Student Travel Award Program was created to assist and support PhD, PT and PTA students interested in attending or presenting their research at the Annual APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). 

The Academy will fund up to five student travel awards (based on availability of funds) to offset the costs for attending CSM 2026, to be held February 12-14, 2026, in Anaheim, CA. 

Applicants must be:

  • current Academy of Physical Therapy Research members and 
  • must be currently enrolled in a (CAPTE-approved) physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program or a rehabilitation-based PhD or postdoctoral program. 

Interested individuals must submit an application as part of the submission process. Winning applicants will receive $750 each for reimbursement for conference-related expenses such as travel/lodging/meals. To be reimbursed, the recipient must submit the follow-up essay, proof of conference registration and attendance, original receipts, and the Academy's reimbursement form to the APTR Executive Office within 6 weeks of the conference or forfeit the award. 

Recipients will be expected to maintain their APTR membership (membership is free for APTA student members) and join one of the 4 Section Special Interest Groups for a period of 1 year following the conference. This scholarship may be received only once per individual. Applications are due by September 15, 2025. 

Click button below to apply.  For any questions, please contact: [email protected]

Student CSM Travel Award Application

Promoting Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy Research

**Please note that this is an Academy of Physical Therapy Research Award

Applications Due September 15, 2025

The purpose of the Promoting Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Physical Therapy Research Award is to recognize an individual who has a demonstrated commitment to promoting DEI efforts in research. These efforts may include, but are not limited to, scholarly activity in areas of DEI that address priority needs for communities/groups that have historically been excluded from or underrepresented in research, mentorship and/or support of students or researchers from diverse backgrounds, prioritization of the recruitment of diverse research participants, or other involvement in efforts related to promoting DEI initiatives in research. This award recognizes the achievements and potential of both established and emerging researchers in physical therapy.

Find Out More including eligibility and application process