The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

BAPO Admin

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MRF Launchpad Grants for Children & Young People’s Movement and Balance Disorders

The Medical Research Foundation has launched a £500,000 funding call to support research that will increase understanding of movement and balance disorders, and improve diagnosis, treatment and interventions in children and young people.

The Launchpad Grants in Children & Young People’s Movement and Balance Disorders offer up to £100,000 over two years for researchers and clinical academics in the UK conducting movement and balance disorder research that will act as a ‘launchpad’ for further research.

Funding can be used to conduct pilot studies, generate data and collaborations, and develop competitive research proposals for larger funding.

The Medical Research Foundation has launched this grant opportunity to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms of movement disorders, such as essential tremor, cerebral palsy, tic, ataxia and dystonia.

Treatment options for children and young people are often suboptimal or limited, and in many cases are not targeted to the specific cause underlying the movement disorder. There also remains a significant knowledge gap between the molecular basis and treatment pathways.

Proposals which include research investigating the following themes are particularly encouraged:

  • Increased understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the causes of movement disorders.
  • Further understanding of mechanisms of action of any available therapies.
  • Development of treatments and interventions, including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (such as orthotics, splints, physiotherapy, speech and language therapies).
  • Mental health impacts of movement and balance disorders in children and young people.

Application is open to researchers and clinical academics at based at HEIs, Research Council research institutes, hospitals, and other independent research organisations in the UK.

Applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil, MD or doctorate in a relevant area and be conducting their research at an eligible institution. Researchers may be at any career stage.

Clinical academics and applicants with clinical duties, including Allied Health Professionals, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Applications should be submitted by the deadline on 27 March 2026.

Link: Medical Research Foundation | Launchpad Grants in Children & Young…

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BAPO P&O Awards 2026

Nominations Now Open

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) P&O Awards 2026 are now open for nominations.

These annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams working across prosthetics and orthotics, recognising those who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, innovation, and excellence in their work.

Nominate Someone Making a Difference

Do you know someone who works in prosthetics and orthotics who goes above and beyond?
Nominate them today for the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics Annual Awards and help us recognise the commitment and professionalism of those making a real difference to the lives of patients and service users.

Why Nominate?

The BAPO P&O Awards highlight excellence across the profession and provide an opportunity to:

  • Celebrate outstanding practice and innovation
  • Recognise dedication and compassionate care
  • Share best practice and inspire the wider P&O community

How to Nominate

Nominations are open to professionals working in prosthetics and orthotics across the UK.
Simply complete the nomination form and submit it before the closing date.

🗓 Nominations close Thursday 30 April 2026

Nominate for an award

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New Resource Launch: For the prosthetic and orthotic workforce: A guide to preparing abstracts and presenting at conferences

We’re excited to launch a new guide for the prosthetic and orthotic workforce:
A guide to preparing abstracts and presenting at conferences.

Developed to support engagement with research, service evaluation, and quality improvement, this practical guide offers clear advice on:
✔️ Writing and submitting abstracts
✔️ Preparing and delivering oral presentations
✔️ Sharing your work confidently at professional meetings and conferences

While not specific to BAPO conference guidelines, the guidance is designed to support submissions to a wide range of national and international conferences.

This resource is for everyone in the P&O community – prosthetists, orthotists, technicians, support workers, students, apprentices, and educators – at all stages of their careers.

At BAPO, we are committed to providing an equitable platform for abstract submission and presentation. We’re particularly keen to support educators to share their work, reflecting the vital role of the educator workforce. Every BAPO conference includes a dedicated space for an educator presentation.

📘 Start sharing your work.
🎤 Build confidence.
🌍 Contribute to the future of the profession.

 

Guide to preparing abstracts FINALDownload

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International collaboration – joint statement

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) and The Swedish Prosthetics and Orthotics Association (SOIF) are proud to announce a new international partnership dedicated to strengthening the global prosthetic and orthotic profession. Prosthetists and orthotists face challenges that cross borders and healthcare systems, and this collaboration brings both organisations together to champion the profession through education, visibility, advocacy, and celebration of excellence.

Dr Nicky Eddison, Chair of BAPO, said:

“Prosthetists and orthotists play a vital role in patient care, and our profession thrives when we learn from each other. International collaboration supports our shared commitment to raising standards, expanding knowledge, and ensuring the critical skills of our workforce are fully recognised.”

Per Kallvant, Chair of SOIF, added:

“Our profession is essential to the health and independence of people around the world. By working together, we amplify the voice of prosthetists and orthotists, strengthen our global community, and highlight the value we bring to healthcare systems everywhere.”

Through this partnership, BAPO and SOIF will focus on joint initiatives that promote education, professional development, and shared best practice. Together, the organisations will advocate for greater visibility and understanding of the profession, address global challenges such as unequal access to services, workforce shortages, the visibility and impact of prosthetic and orthotics care, and celebrate the ongoing innovation and excellence within prosthetics and orthotics.

This collaboration reflects a shared belief: that empowering prosthetists and orthotists strengthens patient care and advances health and wellbeing worldwide.