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CSM Research Scholarships

CSM2027 | Early-Career Research Scholarship

CSM Travel Research Scholarship Program for Early-Career Investigators

Do you have an accepted research abstract that you will be presenting at APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2027? Apply for $1,000 in Academy funding to help support your presentation and professional development as an early-career investigator.

Share your findings, connect with researchers and mentors, and contribute to the future of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.

$1,000 per scholarship Up to 4 recipients Academy members only Deadline: November 15, 2026
Review and Apply → Check Eligibility

Why This Scholarship Matters

Purpose

The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is committed to supporting the next generation of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy researchers.

This scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for early-career investigators presenting accepted research abstracts at APTA's Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2027. The opportunity is available exclusively to current Academy members.

Supporting emerging researchers as they share evidence, build professional connections, and advance pelvic health physical therapy.

  • Share research findings
  • Build mentorship and networking connections
  • Advance professional and research development

Funding Details

Scholarship Award Amount

The Academy will award up to four (4) travel stipends of $1,000 each to help offset costs associated with attending and presenting at CSM 2027.

Stipends may help cover expenses including:

  • CSM registration
  • Poster printing (if applicable)
  • Transportation (airfare, train fare, mileage, etc.)
  • Lodging and/or meals
Scholarship payment occurs after CSM.

Stipends will be paid only after all required Recipient Deliverables have been completed. Deliverables are due March 8, 2027. Payment will be issued within 30 days after all deliverables are received. No payment will be distributed before CSM.

Plan Ahead

2026–2027 Scholarship Timeline

Applications Open

October 15, 2026

Application period begins.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026

Deadline to submit an application.

Award Notifications

December 15, 2026

Applicants are notified of award decisions.

Recipient Deliverables Due

March 8, 2027

Deadline for required post-CSM submissions.

Before You Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements.

  • Be a current APTA and Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy member in good standing at the time of application and award.
  • Have a research abstract accepted for a platform or poster presentation at CSM 2027 and be the presenting author.
  • Meet the early-career investigator definition outlined below.
  • Have CSM costs that are not fully covered by an employer, institution, grant, or other funding source.
  • Submit only one application per person. Only one application may be submitted for each accepted abstract.

Not yet a member? Explore Academy Membership →

Membership will be verified before applications are forwarded for review. Joining the Academy after the application deadline will not establish eligibility.

Eligibility Definition

Who Qualifies as an Early-Career Investigator?

As of the application deadline, applicants must meet at least one of the following definitions.

Research Doctoral Student

Currently enrolled in a dissertation-based research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, DSc, EdD, or DHSc).

Postdoctoral Fellow

Currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship.

Assistant Professor

Three or fewer years in rank.

Early-Career Investigator

Within five years of completing their highest research degree.

Not Eligible: Students in entry-level or clinical doctorate programs (e.g., DPT or tDPT) are not eligible for this scholarship.

How It Works

Application & Selection Process

Applications undergo eligibility verification, Research Committee evaluation, and final Board of Directors review.

  1. Submit Your Application

    Complete the scholarship application through the designated online form.

  2. Eligibility is verified

    Academy staff confirm active membership and review basic eligibility requirements.

  3. Research Committee Evaluation

    The Academy's Research Committee reviews and scores applications using the established evaluation rubric.

  4. Recommendations are submitted

    The committee ranks applicants and submits its recommendations to the Board of Directors.

  5. Recipients are selected

    The Board reviews the recommendations and makes the final award decisions.

Selection Considerations

Financial Need: Priority may be given to applicants with limited or no institutional, employer, grant, or departmental travel support.

Professional & Research Impact: How presenting at CSM will advance the applicant's career, research, mentorship, networking, or dissemination goals.

Recipient Responsibilities

Award Recipient Expectations & Requirements

Recipients must complete the following requirements to receive the scholarship stipend.

Before & During CSM
  • Accept the award in writing within seven days of notification.
  • Maintain Academy membership through CSM.
  • Attend CSM and present the accepted research abstract.
  • Attend the Academy Awards Ceremony to receive the award.
After CSM | Due March 8, 2027
  • Post-CSM Survey: Complete a brief survey assessing the perceived value and impact of the scholarship.
  • Reflection Article: Submit a 500–750-word article reflecting on the experience presenting at CSM, key professional takeaways, and how the scholarship supported research development.

Deliverables must be submitted within 30 days after CSM.

Important: Award Cancellation

Recipients must notify the Academy immediately if their accepted abstract is withdrawn, their presentation is canceled, or they can no longer attend CSM.

The scholarship will be withdrawn if the recipient does not attend CSM, present the accepted abstract, or complete the required deliverables.

Ready to Apply?

Take the Next Step in Your Research Career.

If you are an early-career investigator presenting accepted research at CSM 2027, we encourage you to explore this opportunity for financial support.

Before You Apply

Applications must be completed in one sitting. Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered. Before you begin, please have the following materials ready:

  • Your APTA membership number
  • Your accepted abstract title and submission number
  • Proof that your abstract was accepted (screenshot or PDF copy of email confirmation)
  • A copy of the accepted abstract
  • An estimated CSM attendance budget
  • Information about any institutional, employer, grant, or other travel funding available or awarded to you
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