To enable bold and innovative new directions in autism research, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) welcomes applications for its recently launched New Ideas grant program. These grants provide early-stage support for exploratory research in the study of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that tests novel hypotheses and opens new conceptual or experimental directions in the field.

The New Ideas award is ideal for projects based on ideas, approaches and perspectives that may differ substantially from those previously supported in the field or by SFARI. Proposed research may draw on any scientific discipline, methodology or experimental system (including humans) and may operate at any scale or level of analysis. Applicants are encouraged to propose work that challenges existing assumptions, introduces new frameworks, or applies new tools and insights into advancing the basic science of autism and related NDDs.

SFARI is accepting both applicants with experience in autism research and those new to the field. We particularly encourage investigators who have not previously been funded by SFARI to apply for this award. Additional details about eligibility and application requirements can be found in the full New Ideas request for applications (RFA).

Letters of intent (LOIs) will be accepted on a rolling basis starting on April 29, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the Simons Award Manager. Applicants should receive an initial decision on their LOI within three to four months of submission. If invited to submit a full application for review by the SFARI science team and external experts, applicants will have four weeks to do so.