Take your OT research further in 2026 with new grants

By: RCOT 01 October, 2025 News 3 minute read

The Research and Innovation Fund grants are back for 2026, offering vital support for people working in occupational therapy research to take their projects further.

Building on last year, in addition to project funding, we'll provide dedicated opportunities for public involvement and engagement. This means you can secure support to strengthen collaboration and consultation with the people who matter most when developing your grant application.

Explore the range of grants available and find the one that best fits your research goals.

Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026. We strongly recommend starting your application well in advance, as proposals require full peer review before submission.

Research and Innovation Fund grants

Research starter grant Totalling £20,000

Use this grant to build your research capabilities and take your research to the next level as you pursue your career as an occupational therapy researcher.

Read through our submission information, FAQs and check out what our reviewers are looking for, before downloading and completing your application form.

Research starter grant submission information
Research starter grant FAQs
Research starter grant reviewer feedback
Research starter grant application form

Advancing the evidence grant £90,000 available

If your project clearly addresses one or more of the top 10 priorities for UK OT research and includes research development opportunities for OTs, then this one’s for you.

Read through our submission information, FAQs and check out what our reviewers are looking for before downloading and completing your application form.

Advancing the evidence submission information
Advancing the evidence FAQs
Advancing the evidence reviewer feedback
Advancing the evidence application form

Synthesising the evidence grant £20,000 available

Want to conduct a systematic review to understand the evidence base underpinning occupational therapy? We can support you.

Read through our submission information, FAQs and check out what our reviewers are looking for, before downloading and completing your application form.

Synthesising the evidence submission information
Synthesising the evidence FAQs
Synthesising the evidence reviewer feedback
Synthesising the evidence application form

The submission date for the awards above is 23.59pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026.

The Involving People in Research award is available all year.

Involving people in research grant

Year–round funding is available to support public involvement and engagement in grant preparation. You can apply at any time for up to £2,000 to include people with lived experience in developing a grant application.

Read through our submission information, FAQs and check out what our reviewers are looking for, before downloading and completing your application form.

You can apply for the Involving people in research grant at any time, there is no application deadline.

Involving people in research grant submission information
Involving people in research grant reviewer feedback
Involving people in research grant application form

Thank you to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists for supporting this important, occupation-focused study. This funding will enable us to bring together the stroke community to change leisure participation and life after stroke outcomes."
Kathryn Jarvis - Recipient of the Advancing the Evidence grant 2025

Some helpful pointers and eligibility criteria

When you submit your proposal, you will need to clearly link your project to one or more of the top 10 priorities for UK OT research.
Remember to think about and include public involvement and engagement in your proposal.
We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups within our OT community. A wealth of views, backgrounds and approaches can only improve the research being generated.
Lead applicants must be a professional member of RCOT at the time of applying.
Co-applicants do not need to be OTs, but those who’ve got an OT qualification must also be members of RCOT.
Watch this helpful video about writing a good grant proposal from Dr Phillip Whitehead.

Any questions

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Thompson, RCOT Research and Development Officer via angie.thompson@rcot.co.uk or 020 3141 4615.

Take your OT research further in 2026 with new grants

Research and Innovation Fund grants

Research starter grant Totalling £20,000

Advancing the evidence grant £90,000 available

Synthesising the evidence grant £20,000 available

Involving people in research grant

Some helpful pointers and eligibility criteria

Any questions

FAQ Videos

Research and innovation fund overview

General tips

Research starter grant – research types

Research starter grants – co applicants

Public involvement and engagement

Involving people in research grant