Workshop Overview:
The Early Career Scientist Workshop, sponsored and organized by APTA’s Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) and coordinated by the ANPT Research Committee, focuses on issues related to career development for early career researchers in the field of neurologic physical therapy and rehabilitation. The full-day program will provide didactic presentations and panel discussions related to the demands and pitfalls of a successful research career, with particular emphasis on grant-writing and scientific peer-review. Keynote speakers include Jennifer Steven-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Richard Segal, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and Allison Hyngstrom, PT, PhD, who are leading researchers in rehabilitation science. In addition, there will be small group discussions on a variety of research related topics led by speakers and ANPT Research Committee members.
The workshop is free to all accepted attendees. Early-career researchers including doctoral students nearing the completion of their degree, postdoctoral scholars, and junior faculty who are interested in starting or accelerating a rehabilitation research agenda are encouraged to apply. A competitive application process will be used to select participants at each of the early-career levels. Invited participants will be required to submit a specific aims page that will be reviewed by peers and faculty during the workshop.
Application Process and Deadline:
Applications are due September 30, 2026 and can be submitted by clicking the below button. You will be required to upload a resume, biosketch, or CV to the application.
Limited spots are available for this workshop. Submit your application early to be considered!
In order for participants to have the optimal experience, we have a competitive review process, and we are not able to accept all who apply. Participants will be selected and notified by the last week of October. If you are selected to participate, you will be required to submit a draft of Specific Aims of a research project that you would like feedback on. The Specific Aims page (1 page, single-spaced, 11 point font, 0.5 inch margins) should summarize the significance, innovation, approach, aims, hypothesis, and impact of your ongoing or planned research project.
The Specific Aims page will be due by December 15, 2026
Workshop Activities and Schedule:
The workshop will include presentations, roundtables, small group discussions focused on specific aims feedback, and panel discussions to help the participants:
- Understand how to develop research grant applications, with specific emphasis on the NIH grant-review processes.
- Articulate the elements of a well-structured specific aims page and provide constructive feedback to peers about their specific aims.
- Understand the peer-review process and strategies to develop grant proposals aligned with the review criteria of the funding agency and the grant mechanism (e.g. predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowships, career development awards, investigator-initiated grants).
- Discuss topics relevant to initiating and navigating a successful transition to independence, such as hiring and retaining staff, mentoring, or promotion and tenure.
Workshop Schedule:
| 8:15 | Introductions and Overview |
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Development of a strong NIH Application Jennifer Steven-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | Break |
| 9:45 – 10:45 | Grantsmanship/Grant-writing tips: What reviewers are looking for? Allison Hyngstrom, PT, PhD |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Navigating collaboration and sustaining a laboratory: Building your grant portfolio and getting promoted while being a good citizen Richard Segal, PT, PhD, FAPTA |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:00 – 2:30 | Presentation and review of Specific Aims Small group discussion in groups assigned in advance of workshop led by research committee members and other speakers. Participants will have submitted a Specific Aims page in advance which will have been reviewed by research committee members prior to the workshop. For each participant, there will be a 15-minute period to present the project aims and receive feedback from committee members and others in the group. |
| 2:30 – 2:45 | Break |
| 2:45 – 3:15 | Review Study Section – Insight into the Grant Review Process Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD and Jill Stewart, PT, PhD |
| 3:15 – 4:45 | Career Development Roundtables Varied career development topics - attendees can attend tables that best align with their career stage and goals (3 total). Example topics include: Hiring and Managing Research Staff, Applying and Interviewing for Faculty Positions, PhD Student Mentorship, Becoming a Manuscript Reviewer, Tenure and Promotion |
| 3:15 – 3:45: Roundtable 1 | |
| 3:45 – 4:15: Roundtable 2 | |
| 4:15 – 4:45: Roundtable 3 | |
| 4:45 – 5:00 | Final Questions and Wrap-Up |
