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

Purpose

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.

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 related to DEI may not be eligible, unless their individual research contributions also focus on DEI. Nominees must be actively engaged in physical therapy research, either as a primary investigator or in a key research roles, as this opportunity is intended to focus on research-related activities.
  2. Commitment to DEI: Nominees should have a demonstrable record of commitment to DEI 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 DEI in Research: The extent to which the nominee’s work has advanced DEI 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 DEI in research. This includes developing new methodologies, frameworks, or initiatives that enhance DEI in the field.
  3. Sustained Commitment: Evidence of the nominee’s ongoing commitment to DEI, 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 DEI in physical therapy research.
  2. Supporting Documents:
    • A letter of nomination detailing the nominee’s contributions to DEI in physical therapy 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 DEI efforts
    • Examples of the nominee’s research, publications, or projects that illustrate their commitment to DEI
  1. 3.     Application Process:
    • Please send  the nomination packet in ONE PDF by email to [email protected]
    • The nomination packet must be received by 12/6/2024
  1. Review Process:  A selection committee comprised of the Academy Awards and DEI Committee will review all nominations. The committee will evaluate nominees based on the selection criteria outlined above.
  2. Notification: The selected awardee will be notified by 1/31/2025. All nominees will receive notification of their status after the selection process is complete.
  3. Award Presentation: The award will be presented at the CSM Academy of Research Business Meeting, where the awardee will be recognized for their contributions to promoting DEI in physical therapy research.