Mission Statement
The purposes for which the Corporation is to be formed are for scientific research, educational, and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and in this connection to promote the profession of Orthotics and Prosthetics through education, research, promoting the education of deserving individuals in the profession and working to raise the standards of education and research in the profession. The Corporation may promote the profession through public education to enhance the public's knowledge of the Orthotic and Prosthetic profession and to assist in building capacity to educate and train future members of the profession. The Corporation will endeavor to do its work to promote the greater advancement and protection of the public good and welfare in this area.
OPERF 2009 Award Program
The Orthotics and Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF), Inc. is now soliciting applications for the 2009 OPERF Award Program. The Award Program is designed to encourage and stimulate research at all levels in the O&P profession. Thanks to generous donations, more than $35,000 in awards is being offered in 2009. Five awards ranging from $1000 to $25,000 are now available in the following categories:
2009 OPERF Resident Travel Awards
The OPERF Resident Travel Award Program is designed to support prosthetics and orthotics residents travel to the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) national meeting so that they may present their NCOPE (National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education) required residency research (i.e., Directed Study) project. $1000 Travel Awards will be given to deserving O&P residents seeking to share the results of their directed study at the National Meeting. Two Resident Travel Awards will be offered in 2009.
The OPERF Fellowship Program is designed to support quality graduate education research related to the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession. $5000 Fellowship Awards will be given to deserving and qualified students to support their graduate research. Two Fellowship Awards will be offered in 2009.
The OPERF Small Grant Program is designed to support quality investigator-initiated research related to the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession. Small grant funding of up to $25,000 will be made available to support qualified and capable investigators conduct novel and clinically-relevant O&P research. One Small Grant Award will be offered in 2009.
Please address Letters-of-Intent (LOIs) and Award submissions to Brian J. Hafner, PhD, Research Committee Chair, OPERF at .
These awards are made available through the generous donations of O&P professionals, business owners, manufacturers, and organizations. This support demonstrates the commitment of the O&P profession to encourage, promote, and support O&P research. O&P residents, graduate students, and investigators are encouraged to apply.
If you would to make a donation to the OPERF you may write a check made out to OPERF and mail it to the address below. You may make a general donation or designate your donation to either research or education.