Research Focus Area: Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) invites applications for a research grant focused on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), providing up to $100,000 in total funding over a two-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The AOA supports a holistic, patient-centered approach grounded in the tenets of osteopathic medicine, and seeks to fund studies that emphasize evidence-based treatments with clear clinical relevance to the osteopathic philosophy. This funding opportunity aims to support projects that explore the scientific basis, effectiveness, and impact of OMM/OMT on various disease states, advancing the distinctiveness of the osteopathic profession. The RFA prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear connection between osteopathic techniques and improvements in clinical outcomes. Eligible research areas include, but are not limited to, arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, asthma/COPD, infectious diseases, and other clinically relevant conditions. The AOA encourages studies that are clinical, interventional, and translational in nature. Proposals must include a defined hypothesis and a consistent, evidence-based methodology for interventions. Projects must also present a reproducible data collection plan and a detailed statistical analysis, including power analysis. Reliability of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as robust treatment and control group design, are emphasized. Applicants are expected to submit detailed, patient-focused research proposals that meet rigorous scientific standards. Both protocol-driven and pragmatic study designs are acceptable. Supplemental projects of existing studies may also be considered if they include distinct research questions and aims. Grantees must commit to submitting study findings to the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (JOM), the AOA's official scientific publication, which retains the first right of refusal. This funding opportunity is open to a range of applicants, including DOs, MDs, PhDs, and other doctoral-level researchers, provided that a DO is included as key personnel on the research team. However, several restrictions apply: individuals employed in private practice, students, residents, interns, fellows, and investigators with active AOA grants in their first year or with unmet obligations from previous AOA funding are not eligible. International projects and those involving non-U.S. populations are also ineligible. The proposal must clearly define all budget components, and certain expenses such as renovations, medical education activities, indirect costs, and provider payments are not allowed. Applicants must apply via the AOA’s online application system by January 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Awards will be announced in June 2026, and projects will begin on July 1, 2026. No pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent are indicated. Although the program is not explicitly labeled as recurring, it aligns with AOA’s broader annual research funding structure and thus may be reoffered in subsequent cycles. For questions or technical assistance, applicants are advised to contact Gloria Dillard, MPH, Director of Research Grants at the AOA Department of Research, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (312) 202-8006. Additional guidance, including application instructions and eligibility details, can be found in the AOA’s research grant application guidelines.

It is crucial for applicants to adhere to the guidelines and requirements outlined in the RFA/NOFO to ensure their proposals are considered for funding.