BEST ORIGINAL RESEARCH AWARD
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Best Original Research Award celebrates excellence in research and innovation. This award honors annually at AAOM’s Scientific Conference individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the field of regenerative orthopedic medicine through groundbreaking research endeavors. Nominees should provide evidence of:
excellence in discovery and/or innovation, and
the creation of new knowledge and/or the synthesis of existing knowledge in new and creative ways to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings
This prestigious accolade celebrates the dedication, passion, and exceptional achievements of researchers who have made a lasting impact on the field of regenerative medicine.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the Best Research Award is open to researchers, scholars, scientists, and academics from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, but with a focus on regenerative orthopedic medicine. The Best Original Research Award is open to an AAOM member who in the past five years has published research relevant to regenerative orthopedic medicine in a recognized journal or other medical publication.
There are no age limits, and candidates must have a proven track record of excellence in research, demonstrated through publications, patents, grants, and other scholarly contributions.
Nominee and Nominator both must be members of the AAOM at time of application, selection, and award distribution.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Nominees for the Best Research Award will be evaluated based on various criteria, including:
Significance of the problem being addressed. The issues investigated are important to the field regenerative orthopedic medicine and the study advances knowledge in an area that is highly valued by the research communities of AAOM.
Use of compelling theory and cumulative research base. The literature review is well crafted, appropriately invoking or even innovating theories, and demonstrating a deep understanding of the relevant accumulated research.
Strength of research design. The study is well designed and follows the highest standards of inquiry for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, employing instruments, techniques, and procedures that are rigorous and appropriate for the research questions posed.
Appropriateness of interpretations. The interpretations are well-grounded in the evidence and the limitations are discussed.
Completeness of reporting. The level of detail of the reporting enables replication and/or theory building, as appropriate.
Clarity and engagement of writing style. The article (including tables, figures, appendices, and supplementary online materials, if applicable) is well written, in a style that is both clear and engaging, such that readers’ level of understanding and interest is high.
Promise for inspiring future research directions. The study holds great potential to serve as a model for future research; it offers new ways to conduct research or new research questions to explore.
Potential to have an impact on patient treatment worldwide. The study makes a contribution to knowledge about regenerative orthopedic medicine that holds the potential for improving the conditions of individuals, groups, and/or societies in the world, beyond the research.
We call for outstanding research articles published during the current or previous calendar year. Articles submitted in 2025 (for the 2026 award), must have been published in 2024 or 2025.
Articles published online or in print are eligible for nomination. However, articles may only be nominated once.
Candidate articles MUST have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
NATURE OF AWARD
As a result of being recognized as the Best Original Research Award winner, the winner will have the opportunity to present from the podium during AAOM’s Annual Scientific Meeting the year the award is granted. Winners should make travel plans accordingly.
Winners will also receive by mail following the Annual Scientific Conference, a certificate of award suitable for framing. Recognition will be provided by AAOM in the form of a newsletter article, and on social media as available.