2026 WISH Application Instructions

2026 Mentors

Call for Applications

CoHSTAR, LeaRRn, and AOTF invite rehabilitation researchers with an interest in implementation science, learning health systems research, or health services research to submit an application to participate in WISH 2026. This event builds on three prior successful WISH workshops. WISH is open to rehabilitation researchers from any profession.

The Workshop will be held in person in Alexandria, VA from May 26-28, 2026.

 

WISH Application Instructions

The request for applications is now open for our 2026 grant writing workshop. Please find more information below on requirements and workshop details. We welcome applicants working on proposals related to implementation science, health services research, and learning health systems research. 

  • Registration is complimentary
  • A limited number of travel awards (which cover hotel costs and up to $500 in additional travel expenses) are available for junior faculty or trainees from any discipline. Priority will be given to those who express financial need. 
    • Additional travel awards are earmarked for occupational therapist researchers.
    • Foreign National applicants interested in a travel award should check their eligibility for Travel Reimbursement.

Applications are due January 5, 2026

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Application Guidelines

We encourage applicants to review our scoring criteria as they prepare their materials. Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Coverpage: please only complete once – you will receive a confirmation email to the address you enter in Qualtrics once you submit. Be sure to include:

    • the project title
    • brief descriptor (five words or less) of the primary research topic of your proposal
    • the name of the funding opportunity you would like to apply for, if known
    • the type of grant you would like to apply for, if known

2. Research Plan 

  • statement of Specific Aims (1 page maximum) – see examples from NINDS
  • description of Research Strategy (2 pages maximum) including sections on significance, innovation and approach – see examples from NINDS

3. Career Trajectory Statement (1 page maximum) explaining the expected impact of attending WISH 

4. Travel Award Statement (1 paragraph maximum) If you indicated interest in a travel award on the cover page, please include a statement briefly explaining your eligibility and need

5. NIH-formatted Biosketch

6. Letter of Support from department or dissertation chair 

Submit your application via email by January 5, 2026:

  • Subject line: WISH 2026 Application – LAST NAME
  • Include all information in a single PDF
  • Title the PDF “LASTNAME WISH Application MMDDYY”
  • Include your name and affiliation in the body of the email
  • Send to courtney_hawes@brown.edu and learnrehabnetwork@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed by the WISH Planning Committee faculty members. Applicants will be notified by mid-February.

Please Note: Please address questions about this opportunity to courtney_hawes@brown.edu and learnrehabnetwork@gmail.com prior to 12/16/2025. Brown University is closed 12/23/2025 – 1/5/2026.

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