Scientists have long known that genetics is a primary contributor to autism, but the variants underlying the genetic components of autism remain largely uncharacterized. Given recent advances in statistics, genomics and artificial intelligence, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) will host a series of workshops to leverage these tools and advance our understanding of the genetic contributions to autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
The workshops will address three topic areas:
- Approaches to deepen insight into the biological effects of variants of uncertain significance (VUS).
- Using computational and statistical methods to identify novel autism-associated variants that span both coding and non-coding regions.
- Using long-read DNA sequencing data from select families to uncover previously hidden genetic and epigenetic factors (e.g., structural variants, DNA methylation or repeat expansions).
There will be one workshop for each topic area (all held on Zoom), followed by an in-person combined workshop held at the Simons Foundation in New York City. Workshop dates are as follows:
- Variants of Uncertain Significance Workshop: December 1, 2026, 1–3 p.m. Eastern time, over Zoom
- Identifying New Variants Workshop: December 2, 2026, 1–3 p.m. Eastern time, over Zoom
- Longread Sequencing Workshop: December 3, 2026, 1–3 p.m. Eastern time, over Zoom
- Combined: February 25–26, 2027, in person at the Simons Foundation in New York City
To apply, please submit a biosketch and a 1- to 2-page statement of interest and expertise describing how your work connects to the scientific vision outlined above and what unique perspectives or contributions you will bring to the discussions. Applicants may include in-text citations. A full bibliography is not required. Applications are due September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern time.
This workshop series is the first step toward developing a funded collaborative effort; however, workshop participation does not guarantee inclusion in a collaborative effort or future funding. The final participant list for the in-person workshop will be determined after the Zoom workshops.
If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].
