Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI): several opportunities

- Circuit Dynamics: This RFA is intended to advance our understanding of the circuit basis for behavioral and cognitive alterations relevant to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal is to determine the downstream consequences of autism-associated genetic perturbations on neural circuitry, with an emphasis on how collections of neurons operate in concert during autism-relevant behaviors. To this end, we seek applications for investigations of neural circuits in awake, behaving rodent models of autism. Funding: the grant period is for 2 years, although continued funding is possible, and contingent on satisfactory study progress. During this initial two-year period, SFARI has committed a total of $1 million annually for this RFA. There is no budget cap, yet the budget will strongly factor into the competitiveness of an application.

- Analysis of Simons VIP Biospecimens: Simons Variation in Individuals Project (VIP) (http://sfari.org/resources/simons-vip) comprises a large cohort of individuals with a deletion or duplication of chromosomal segment 16p11.2. A wealth of phenotypic (behavioral, neurological and neuroimaging) data has been collected from these individuals and their families, which emphasize significant phenotypic variability. About 20% of deletion and duplication carriers meet strict criteria for an autism diagnosis, and many other carriers have other neuropsychiatric diagnoses, including high rate of language difficulties. Further analysis of these biospecimens may help explain some of the heterogeneity in phenotype. This RFA seeks proposals that take advantage of the information collected by the Simons VIP. Although SFARI is open to many different approaches, we will likely give priority to those that aim to accomplish a comprehensive characterization of RNA expression differences and correlate such expression patterns with phenotypes. Furthering the ability to include genomic analysis would be an additional strength. Funding: there is no budget cap, yet the budget will strongly factor into the competitiveness of an application.

http://sfari.org/funding/grants