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RFA for Autism Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science Research

Sponsors:
Simons Foundation
Amount:
$750,000
External Deadline:
05/03/21
Opportunity Information:

The mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.

To advance this mission, SFARI has issued a request for applications for its 2021 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science program. The RFA will prioritize research that produces foundational knowledge about the neurobehavioral differences associated with ASD and directly informs the development or refinement of tools needed for translational efforts (e.g., biomarkers and outcome measures). Special emphasis will be placed on objective quantitative measures that may be used in conjunction with standardized clinical measures and genomic information to better triangulate phenotypic and neurobiological variability within and across individuals with ASD.

In particular, the foundation encourages studies that capitalize on approaches to behavioral analysis informed by recent advances in computer vision and machine learning, as well as psychophysics and non-invasive neuroscience techniques (e.g., EEG and MRI). SFARI has a strong interest in developmentally focused studies in areas that include but are not limited to communicative, social, and ritualistic/stereotyped behavior, as well as sensory and motor function. SFARI also recognizes the importance of domains of function such as attention, learning and memory, and sleep in influencing core ASD diagnostic domains. Applications may propose either laboratory-based or real-world measures of behavior (i.e., wearables/”digital phenotyping”).

SFARI encourages proposals conceptualized within rigorously defined theoretical/computational or neurobiologically-grounded frameworks. Importantly, proposals addressing current theories of autism should include experiments to directly examine falsifiable hypotheses. The foundation also welcome studies which deepen the understanding of cognitive constructs that are often modeled in experimental animals. These may include but are not limited to learning and memory, attention, repetitive behaviors, stereotypy, sensory processing, and motor function. For applications that wish to conduct parallel studies in both humans and in experimental models (e.g., mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells), contact scienceRFA@simonsfoundation.org for further guidance from the SFARI science team.

Grants of up to $750,000 over three years will be awarded.

To be eligible, all applicants and key collaborators must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or the equivalent at a college, university, medical school, or other research facility. 

See the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

ASU Information:

Submissions to this sponsor/donor are managed by the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Please contact your unit-assigned ASUF Director of Development or Research Advancement Specialist at your earliest convenience to ensure ASU's strategic coordination and management of funding applications.

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