The OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group Paper of the Year Award for Early Career Investigators was established in 2022 to recognize the outstanding achievements of Members of our Discussion Group who have aimed to improve the lives of people with osteoarthritis through scientific investigation of rehabilitation.
Osteoarthritis rehabilitation is defined as nonsurgical and nonpharmacological interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with osteoarthritis (adapted from the World Health Organization).
Award Guidelines
Papers eligible for this award must be original research involving humans, that focus on any aspect of osteoarthritis rehabilitation. Eligible papers must be published in the English language (published in any country). Eligible papers must have been published (electronically or in print) during the 2023 calendar year in a peer-reviewed journal. This includes research papers that are only available online. For papers that are “epub ahead of print” the date of first online publication of the final version will specify the publication year. All study designs are eligible, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Editorials, opinion pieces, narrative and clinical reviews are not eligible. A paper may only be nominated once for this award. Nominations are due January 31, 2024.
A peer-led panel of Members of the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group will review all nominations. The panel reserves the right to not make an award during a calendar year. The paper will be judged using the following criteria:
- Addresses a critical gap or a significant innovation in rehabilitation of osteoarthritis
- Reports findings that has the potential to significantly impact clinical practice, patient outcomes, and/or healthcare delivery
- Uses methods of outstanding quality
Current OARSI Members (Regular, Associate, Student) may self-nominate a paper for consideration. Only self-nominated applications will be accepted. Members may only submit ONE nomination for consideration during each calendar year.
Paper Eligibility
To be eligible for the Paper of the Year Award:
- The first author must be a member of both OARSI and the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group.
- The applicant must be an early career investigator within 7 years of completing a PhD (or terminal degree (e.g. medical or physical therapy training)). Student Members are eligible for this award.
- Career disruptions will be considered for individuals who are further out from the 7-year eligibility time frame. This can include part-time working status, provided rationale is given for part-time work status.
- The applicant can not be a previous recipient of OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group Paper of the Year Award for Early Career Investigators
Announcement of Winner and Author Requirements
The applicant of the winning paper will be notified by the end of March 2024 if their paper was selected for the Paper of the Year Award. The winning paper will be announced publicly and recognized during the Rehabilitation Discussion Group Meeting during the OARSI 2024 World Congress. The winning author is not required to be present in-person to be recognized for the award during the OARSI 2024 World Congress. The winning applicant may be invited to present a summary of their work during the Rehabilitation Discussion Group meeting at OARSI 2024 (e.g. in-person, live virtually, recorded video).
Prize
The winning author of the Paper of the Year Award will be recognized through an OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group e-Newsletter and OARSI social media platforms. If the award winner elects to be recognized for their award in-person during OARSI 2024 World Congress, travel and registration costs to attend will not be supported by the Rehabilitation Discussion Group.
How to Nominate a Paper
Current OARSI Members (Regular, Associate, Student) may self-nominate a paper for consideration by providing the following:
- A completed nomination form signed by the applicant
- A PDF copy of the published paper and any supplementary materials.
The nomination form can be found below.
Nominations will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, January 31, 2024. No further nominations will be accepted after the deadline.