Early Career Researcher Travel Award - CSM 2027

The APTA Academy of Research, Early Career Researcher Special Interest Group (ECR SIG) is offering TWO travel awards ($600 per awardee) for early career physical therapy researchers to attend the 2027 APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). The purpose of these awards is to promote and support the work of early career physical therapy researchers.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a current member of the APTA ECR SIG at the time of submission. (Not currently a member? Join here!)
  • Be an early career physical therapy researcher, including but not limited to PhD students, post-doc fellows, early career academic faculty members starting research lines, and clinician-researchers.
  • Attending CSM 2027 as the presenting author of an accepted research poster or platform. NOTE: It is acceptable to submit your application prior to receiving approval of acceptance; however, you will be asked to provide proof of acceptance if selected to receive one of the travel awards. If you are unable to provide proof of acceptance at that time, you will no longer be eligible. 
  • Be able to accept the award at the Early Career Researchers SIG Business Meeting at CSM 2027.
  • Individuals who receive a 2027 APTR travel award or a CSM travel award from a different APTR SIG are not eligible for an ECR SIG award in the same year.

Application Submission Materials:

  • Current curriculum vitae

Answers to the following prompts (1500 character limit per response, including spaces):

  • Describe your current research, including your specific role(s) and responsibilities on the project(s).
  • Where do you see yourself as a researcher five years from now?
  • How will receiving this financial support and attending CSM help advance your research career? 
  • A letter of nomination from a research mentor or supervisor familiar with your research.
  • Copy of accepted 2027 APTA CSM poster or platform abstract(s) and/or educational session(s) - OPTIONAL AT TIME OF SUBMISSION; REQUIRED IF SELECTED FOR AWARD 

Submission Instructions:

Application materials should be submitted electronically via the Google Form at the top of the page ("Apply for the Early Career Researcher Travel Award- CSM 2026 HERE (directions below)") 
All materials must be submitted by October 18th, 2026. Awardees will be notified via email from the Academy of Physical Therapy Research in mid-December. If proof of acceptance is needed, it will be required at this time. Please contact the APTA ECR SIG Vice Chair, Jenny LaCross ([email protected]), with any questions.