We aspire to foster a research environment that collaborates across health and social disciplines, engages with community, clinicians, people with lived experience, and decision-makers to create, translate, and implement research and knowledge for the benefit of society.
Increasing the Impact and Reach of our Research
As captured in the department’s Strategic Action Plan (2025-2032), we have three clear goals to further strengthen our research projects and practice:
Goal 1
Increase the level of our collaboration with community, clinicians, and people with lived experience to inform and enhance our research.
Goal 2
Advance scholarship of teaching and learning in occupational therapy and occupational science to enhance student learning outcomes and promote educational leadership of faculty.
Goal 3
Promote a sustainable, innovative, and impactful research program that improves the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, enhances health service delivery, and influences policy.
See how we intend to achieve these goals:
Graduate and Postdoctoral Research
Research MSc / PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows
We collaborate with the Department of Physical Therapy to deliver a research graduate program in Rehabilitation Science.
The program offers opportunities for study and research leading to Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Students in the program are supervised by faculty members from either department.
The program is proud of the achievements of our graduates. Many are recipients of studentships, scholarships and other awards, and feature in numerous peer-reviewed journal publications.
Graduate students and Postdoctoral Fellows affiliated with us may have the opportunity to be involved in ICORD, the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Arthritis Research Canada, the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and other CIHR initiatives.
Learn more about our Rehabilitation Science research programs
Master of Rehabilitation Science (MRSc) Research Projects
Our online Master of Rehabilitation Science degree offers health professionals an option for higher learning whilst actively working in rehabilitation. Students in this program are required to undertake a major research project, exploring everyday issues in rehabilitation practice.
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Research Projects
In the Master of Occupational Therapy degree program, students are required to complete a research project related to evidence underlying practice or the study of human occupation.
Graduating students showcase their year-long research projects through podium and poster presentations at the annual Capstone Conference.
Each year, the Capstone Conference attracts more than 200 attendees, including peers, faculty members from various health disciplines, clinicians, consumers and the general public.
Find a Faculty Member
Faculty Directory
Meet our faculty and explore their research topics and expertise.
Latest Research News
- Dr. Brodie Sakakibara Named UBCO’s Health Researcher of the Year
OSOT Associate Professor Dr. Brodie Sakakibara has been named UBC Okanagan’s 2025 Health Researcher of the Year. - Bringing KidsAction to Prince Rupert
Dr. Stephanie Glegg is partnering with colleagues from G’aahlandee Xaadee, the School of Nursing, and Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a to implement a program supporting physical activity in Prince Rupert. - Building Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions in Haida Gwaii
Assistant Professor Dr. Julia Schmidt recently took a trip to Haida Gwaii to meet with… Read more: Building Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions in Haida Gwaii
Research Projects and Tools
Behavioural Indicators of Infant Pain Scale
This scale is designed to understand the effects of the environment on preterm infant development, allow for accurate assessments and find effective ways to reduce the negative effects of the environment. Key contact: Liisa Holsti.
Ergonomic Assessment Tool for Arthritis (EATA)
The EATA is designed to assist occupational therapists and their clients with arthritis complete an ergonomic assessment for the purpose of recommending ergonomic modifications as job accommodations. Key contact: Catherine Backman.
Read more about the EATA
Photo used to illustrate EATA by Nani Chavez