Funding, News and Announcements

The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is pleased to announce the 2016 Pilot and Research Awards request for applications (RFA). Our annual RFA will provide funding for investigators conducting bold, creative and rigorous research into the underlying biology, causes and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

SFARI will consider proposals in all areas relevant to improving the scientific understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. These areas include genetics and other factors contributing to risk; molecular and cellular mechanisms; synaptic and circuit physiology; sensory perception; cognition; behavior; and clinical and translational studies.

Please also read our new Directors’ Column, SFARI 2016 grants cycle: Choices, challenges and priorities, for more information about SFARI funding priorities in the upcoming year, as well as insight into how SFARI assesses and selects from the many applications it receives each year.

The RFA and accompanying guidelines can be accessed here. Letters of intent must be submitted online, and are due 9 October 2015, 5:00 p.m. EST. Full applications are by invitation only and are due 12 February 2016. Applications selected for SFARI awards will be announced in June 2016, with funding expected to begin in the summer or fall of 2016.