The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation) are excited to announce an AOPA sponsored Research Grant available in the Spring 2026 cycle. It will support a one-year research grant with funding up to $50,000.
The grant will fund research advancing the structural safety and quality of prosthetic sockets, addressing critical knowledge gaps identified by AOPA’s Socket Guidance Workgroup (SGW)—a multidisciplinary, international team of experts dedicated to developing evidence-based best practices and technical guidance for prosthetic socket quality and safety.
The SGW was established by AOPA to promote the standardization and improvement of socket quality and safety in orthotic and prosthetic practice. Despite the prosthetic socket’s central role in function and comfort, no standardized, industry-wide guidelines currently exist for assessing socket quality and safety.
Building on the group’s 2023 white paper and international consensus activities, AOPA’s SGW has identified targeted research priorities to address these gaps. In an effort to get these gaps addressed, AOPA has designated a portion of its 2025 contribution to The O&P Foundation to fund research for fiscal year 2026 that will focus on the topic of Structural Safety of Prosthetic Sockets.
“AOPA is grateful for The O&P Foundation’s support of addressing the research gaps identified by our Socket Guidance Workgroup. Supporting research that addresses these gaps is an important step in improving the guidelines for socket design which in turn will improve the lives of those with limb loss who use a prosthesis,” said Teri Kuffel, JD, Executive Director of AOPA. “We look forward to seeing the results of this grant funding and to continuing to partner with The O&P Foundation to advance the O&P research evidence-base.”
“This partnership between AOPA and The O&P Foundation demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing patient safety and quality of care. By investing in research that strengthens our understanding of socket structural integrity, we are helping ensure that every prosthesis is not only functional and comfortable, but fundamentally safe and evidence-based.” –– Fanny Schultea, Executive Director of The O&P Foundation
The sponsored program will be featured in The O&P Foundation’s 2026 Program Announcementsnext month, with full program details to be released in January 2026alongside The O&P Foundation’s Early Career and Pilot Research Grant Programs.
To learn more about this and O&P Foundation’s Research Programs & Research Priorities: oandpfoundation.org/research/
About The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation): The O&P Foundation is the only national 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to funding programs to support the future of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (OP&P). The O&P Foundation is dedicated to the continual pursuit of sustainable growth for the professionals who drive value in orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic rehabilitation. It seeks to drive meaningful change and improvements through innovative funding programs in OP&P education, research, and professional practice. Learn More: oandpfoundation.org
About the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA): A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest trade association consisting of more than 1,800 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives. Learn More: AOPAnet.org.