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We chart the scope, origin and purpose of occupational science, illustrating its relevance to occupational therapy with four case examples: 1) using cooking to establish relationships with community leaders, 2) applying theoretical understandings of the relationship between objects and identity to promote recovery, 3) applying Lifestyle Redesign TM principles to practice with adults with arthritis, and 4) addressing occupational deprivation in a secure dementia unit. We argue that occupational science will expand the boundaries of occupational therapy, as graduates familiar with that knowledge enter the profession. To conclude, we outline how therapists can access occupational science knowledge to inform their practice.