The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative seeks to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.

The autism research community has expanded substantially in recent years, and SFARI has contributed to this change by attracting outstanding established scientists to the field. In order to sustain this level of scientific excellence in future years, SFARI is extending its support to promising early-career investigators.

To that end, the foundation has issued a Request for Applications for its Bridge to Independence Award program. Grants awarded through the program are intended to invest in the next generation of top autism investigators by identifying talented early-career scientists interested in autism research and facilitating their transition to an independent research career. Grant amounts are fixed at $495,000 over three years.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree; have fewer than eight years of postdoctoral or otherwise mentored training since receiving their PhD or MD; and be currently in a non-independent, mentored, training position, as recognized by their institution.

First-stage proposals and letters of recommendation must be received no later than August 6. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative website.