Excellence in Advancing Belonging and Culture in Physical Therapy Research Award

Purpose
The purpose of the Excellence in Advancing Belonging and Culture in Physical Therapy Research Award is to recognize an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing belonging and cultural efforts in PT research. These efforts may include, but are not limited to, scholarly activity in areas of belonging and culture 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 these initiatives in research. This award recognizes the achievements and potential of both established and emerging researchers in the field of physical therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Professional Status: Nominees must be actively engaged in physical therapy research, either as a primary investigator or in a key research role. Individuals currently serving in an administrative or leadership capacity may not be eligible, unless their research contributions also focus on these initiatives. Nominees must be actively engaged in physical therapy research, either as a primary investigator or in a key research role, as this opportunity is intended to focus on research-related activities.
  2. Commitment: Nominees should have a demonstrable record of commitment to belonging and culture in their research efforts. This includes but is not limited to conducting research that addresses the needs of historically excluded or underrepresented communities, mentoring individuals from diverse backgrounds, or leading initiatives that prioritize the recruitment of diverse research participants.
  3. Career Stage: Both established and emerging researchers in the field of physical therapy are eligible for this award. There is no restriction based on years of experience or professional designation.
  4. Affiliation: Nominees should be affiliated with an academic or research institution, clinical facility, or other organization that supports physical therapy research.
  5. Membership: Nominees must be members of the APTA Academy of Research in good standing.

Selection Criteria

  1. Impact on Belonging and Culture in Research: The extent to which the nominee’s work has advanced these initiatives in physical therapy research, particularly through scholarly contributions, mentorship, and/or community engagement.
  2. Innovation and Leadership: The nominee’s role in introducing or leading innovative approaches to belonging and culture in research. This includes developing new methodologies, frameworks, or initiatives that enhance these initiatives in the field.
  3. Sustained Commitment: Evidence of the nominee’s ongoing commitment, as demonstrated by a track record of related activities, publications, or projects.
  4. Mentorship and Support: The nominee’s commitment to mentoring and supporting students or researchers from diverse backgrounds, either through academic involvement or community outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists.
  5. Research Participant Diversity: Efforts to prioritize the recruitment and inclusion of diverse participants in research studies, ensuring that findings are relevant and applicable to a broader population.

Procedure for Nomination

  1. Nomination Submission: Nominations may be submitted by peers, colleagues, or the nominees themselves. Nominators must complete a nomination letter and provide supporting documentation that highlights the nominee’s qualifications, achievements, and commitment to these initiatives in physical therapy research.
  2. Supporting Documents:
    • A letter of nomination detailing the nominee’s contributions in PT research
    • The nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV)
    • At least two letters of recommendation from colleagues, peers, or mentees familiar with the nominee’s work and efforts
    • Examples of the nominee’s research, publications, or projects that illustrate their commitment to belonging and culture in PT research
  1. 3.     Application Process:
    • Please send the nomination packet in ONE PDF by email to [email protected]
    • The nomination packet must be received by 09/15/2025

Review Process:  A committee, comprised of the APTR Awards Chair and members of the Advancement of Belonging and Culture in Research committee, will review all nominations. The committee will evaluate nominees based on the selection criteria outlined above. 

  1. Notification: The selected awardee will be notified by 11/14/2025. All nominees will receive notification of their status after the selection process is complete.
  2. Award Presentation: The award will be presented at the APTA CSM Academy of Research Business Meeting, where the awardee will be recognized for their contributions to promoting belonging and culture in physical therapy research.