SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF OCCUPATION (SSO:USA) 

Research priorities help focus and strengthen the collective impact of occupational science by highlighting areas where new knowledge can advance the field and benefit society. The following four research priorities were developed through a collaborative process involving SSO:USA members, including brainstorming sessions, discussion at the 2025 Annual Research Conference, and member feedback through surveys and rankings. Together, these priorities reflect shared interests across the Society and provide a framework to guide research, foster collaboration, inform funding and partnership opportunities, and communicate the value of occupational science to members, students, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public.Conceptual and Foundational Understanding of Occupation: Research that advances conceptual development and systematic evidence syntheses to deepen understanding of occupation across descriptive, relational, predictive, and prescriptive levels of analysis.

Social Determinants and Occupational Justice: Research that examines how social, political, and economic structures, and culture shape opportunities and inequities in occupational engagement, thereby affecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Translational and Applied Research: Research that applies occupational science concepts to advance clinical practice, community programs, public health, and policy within occupational therapy and related professions and disciplines.

Occupational Science Education: Research that advances the adoption and integration of occupation-centered knowledge, refinement of pedagogical theory, design of instructional practices and curricula, and evaluation of learner development and outcomes.
These priorities are intended to guide—not limit—the breadth of occupational science inquiry. Across all four priorities, methodological rigor and diversity remain essential, with research approaches selected to align with the questions being asked and the philosophical perspectives that inform them. Likewise, technology continues to shape how occupation is experienced, studied, and applied, making it a cross-cutting consideration throughout this work. SSO:USA will use these priorities to encourage collaboration, support strategic initiatives, inform conference planning and future funding opportunities, and promote research that advances the Society's mission while addressing the evolving needs of individuals, communities, and society.