RFA for Equity and Diverse Autism Researchers
With the understanding that diversity in the scientific workforce is an important element for the goal of advancing autism science, SFARI announces a new program that will provide supplements to existing grants for the recruitment of new lab members from American underrepresented minority groups at the postdoctoral level. For the purposes of this supplement, eligible groups include the following: African American/Black; Latin American/Hispanic; Native American/Alaskan Native; Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander (including Filipino).
The goal of this award is to increase diversity and fight inequity. SFARI Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to recruit candidates for this supplement not only at their home institution, but also at historically Black colleges and universities and other institutions with high minority enrollment. SFARI will not award supplements to fund current lab members, even if they are not funded by the original SFARI award.
To facilitate the academic success and independence of selected postdoctoral research associates, SFARI will organize networking opportunities with peer awardees, other SFARI grantees (including both early career and senior investigators) and SFARI staff.
As a condition for accepting the grant, the mentor and candidate must agree to work together to submit one or more applications for federal and/or non-federal postdoctoral fellowship awards before the end of the second year. Continuation of the award for a third year of funding is not contingent on success in these applications, but writing such proposals is an important part of training for future in science.
Level and Duration of Funding
Current PIs may request up to $100,000 per year for up to three years. This is intended to cover the full salary and fringe benefits of the selected postdoctoral research associate, travel and other professional development opportunities for the postdoctoral research associate, and the associated indirect costs. Funds may also be used to purchase additional lab supplies needed to accommodate the research plan but are limited to $10,000 per year.
PIs will be required to provide annual updates to SFARI on the new lab member’s productivity as part of their required project progress reports.
Eligibility
SFARI PIs are eligible to apply for this supplement if there are at least 18 months remaining on their SFARI-funded project. Funding is restricted to institutions in the United States. Eligible postdoctoral research associate candidates must be U.S. citizens.
Application and Review Process:
SFARI will set aside funding for up to 10 SEED Awards, to be awarded during the 2020–2021 academic year. Applications will be submitted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funding has been awarded. Funding notifications will be sent within seven to ten days of application submission.
Applications should include the following material:
- Mentorship Plan: Summary of how the selected postdoctoral research associate will be mentored by the PI and within the PI’s lab. This should include information regarding the PI and the PI’s institution’s demonstrated interest and track record in supporting underrepresented minority groups.
- Research Plan: Brief summary of how the selected postdoctoral research associate will contribute to the funded SFARI project. SFARI PIs may also propose new or potential revisions to their project’s original aims.
- Budget Justification: Brief outline of how funds will be used.
- Candidate Biosketch: A biosketch or CV from the selected candidate.
- Candidate Statement: A confirmation of eligibility from the candidate along with a brief statement of their future career goals.
Instructions for Submission
Applications must be completed electronically and submitted using forms provided at proposalCENTRAL. Please log in as an applicant, go to the grant opportunities tab, scroll to “Simons Foundation,” and click apply now for the SFARI SEED Award. For assistance, please call 800-875-2562 or email pcsupport@altum.com.
Details concerning application requirements and submission can be found in our instructions or on proposalCENTRAL. If you have other questions, please review our FAQ.
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.