Analysis of Simons VIP Biospecimens Request for Applications
This RFA seeks proposals that take advantage of the unique combination of biospecimens and rich phenotypic information collected by the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (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. The data produced in this effort will be made available to the research community with minimum delay and thus will be a valuable resource for all researchers.
- Application deadline
- Notification of award
- Funding expected to begin
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SFARI Grant Programs
sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org
SFARI mission
The mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.
Objective of this award
The Simons Variation in Individuals Project (Simons VIP) comprises a large cohort of individuals with a deletion or duplication of chromosomal segment 16p11.2 (approximately 100 deletion and 100 duplication carriers) 1. A wealth of phenotypic (behavioral, neurological and neuroimaging) data has been collected from these individuals and their families. The data collected so far emphasize significant phenotypic variability: About 20 percent of deletion and duplication carriers meet strict criteria for an autism diagnosis; many other carriers have other neuropsychiatric diagnoses, including a high rate of language difficulties2.
We anticipate that further analysis of biospecimens collected from the individuals in the Simons VIP will help explain some of the heterogeneity in phenotype.
This RFA seeks proposals that take advantage of the unique combination of biospecimens and rich phenotypic 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. The data produced in this effort will be made available to the research community with minimum delay and thus will be a valuable resource for all researchers.
Simons VIP biospecimens
In addition to an extensive battery of psychological tests, neurological exams, growth and dysmorphology measures, structural and functional brain MRI and MEG, blood was collected from each study participant. Cultured fibroblasts are also available for roughly 30 percent of the participants. Lymphoblastoid cell lines exist or could be produced as needed. Additionally, we have the option of creating iPS cell lines for each participant, should the demand exist. For more information regarding available biospecimens, please visit the Simons VIP Overview Statistics page. If you do not currently have a SFARI ID, you will be directed to request one; you will need it to access the statistics.
Experimental plan
We anticipate that proposals may differ among applications because of the varying expertise and resources of the investigative teams. We will give priority to proposals that include:
- RNA sequencing and quantification
- A detailed plan for the correlation of RNA expression patterns and phenotypes
- A rationale for the use of specific cell types (fibroblasts, lymphoblastoids, iPS-cell-derived neurons, etc.)
- A detailed rationale for how to prioritize sample selection (e.g., initial focus on phenotypic subgroups, deletion/duplication carriers and family member controls. Please review the available information on medical history and phenotyping data at SFARI Base. If you do not currently have a SFARI ID, you will be directed to request one upon logging in.)
Also desirable but not required is the capacity to integrate exome sequencing data, which may be available from other sources, into the correlation analysis.
Eligibility and collaboration
All applicants and key collaborators must hold a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or the equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility. Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign nonprofit organizations; public and private institutions, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local government; and eligible agencies of the federal government. There are no citizenship or country requirements.
If data collection will be performed at more than one site, investigators should have demonstrated prior success in reproducing results across sites.
Application requirements
- Narrative, not exceeding six (6) pages (excluding references and figures). Proposals should include specific aims, background relevant to the application, significance of the proposed studies, preliminary results, experimental design, pitfalls and alternative strategies, relevance to autism, and a timeline with milestones.
- Biosketches for Principal Investigator(s) and Key Collaborators.
- Current and pending support for Principal Investigator(s) and Key Collaborators.
- Budget. There is no budget cap, although indirect costs are limited to 20 percent of the modified total direct costs (see SFARI policies). Budget will strongly factor into the competitiveness of an application. Therefore, proposals should include a realistic budget sufficiently detailed for evaluation of needed resources. SFARI will work closely with investigators with competitive applications to arrive at a suitable budget. In addition to the award amount, SFARI will cover the cost of currently available biospecimens. SFARI also may cover the creation of biospecimens that are currently unavailable (e.g., iPS cells), under the condition that this resource will be made available for distribution to other researchers.
Applications with multiple Principal Investigators (PIs) from different institutions that would like to be paid separately must include a signed budget template and budget justification for each PI institution. Applications with subcontracts must include a budget and budget justification. The budget template and budget justification are available for download in the proposal attachments section of proposalCENTRAL’s full application.
- Research environment and resources. Investigators should demonstrate access to appropriate resources for high-capacity data collection and analysis. SFARI will work with awarded investigative teams to provide additional informatics support as needed.
- Renewable reagents and data-sharing plan. The plan should detail how renewable resources will be stored and distributed to other researchers. It should also include sharing of raw and analyzed data. SFARI will work closely with investigators to devise a sharing plan.
Application deadline
The deadline for full proposal submission is 21 June 2013. Competitive applications will receive external peer review. SFARI will make final funding decisions; notification of award is expected in early October 2013 at the latest, with funding expected to begin no later than 1 November 2013.
Instructions for submission
Applications must be completed electronically and submitted using forms provided at proposalCENTRAL. Please log in as an applicant, scroll to “Simons Foundation” and click on the program.
Contacts
Scientific inquiries:
sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org
646-654-0066
Administrative inquiries:
grants@simonsfoundation.org
646-654-0066
proposalCENTRAL:
pcsupport@altum.com
800-875-2562
References
1: Simons VIP Consortium Neuron 73, 1063-1067 (2012) PubMed
2: Zufferey F. et al. J. Med. Genet. 49, 660-668 (2012) PubMed
The Simons Foundation uses an electronic grants submission process. All interested grant applicants must submit their applications online through proposalCENTRAL.
- Application deadline
- Notification of award
- Funding expected to begin
-
SFARI Grant Programs
sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org
Instructions for submission
Applications must be completed electronically and submitted using forms provided at proposalCENTRAL. Please log in as an applicant, scroll to “Simons Foundation” and click on the program.
Contacts
Scientific inquiries: sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org 646-654-0066
Administrative inquiries: grants@simonsfoundation.org 646-654-0066
proposalCENTRAL: pcsupport@altum.com 800-875-2562
- Application deadline
- Notification of award
- Funding expected to begin
-
SFARI Grant Programs
sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org
-
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a full proposal?
New users first need to register on proposalCENTRAL. For all users, log in and select “Create New Proposal” or click on the “Grant Opportunities” tab. Filter the Grant Maker by “Simons Foundation” and click on “Apply Now” next to the “Analysis of Simons VIP Biospecimens” program. Once all sections are complete and the attachments are uploaded, the “Submit” button will be activated.
Are references, figures and figure legends included in the narrative six (6)-page limit? How should they be included?References, figures and figure legends are not included in the page limit for the full proposal. Please attach them at the end of the six (6)-page narrative in the same PDF file. The Simons Foundation’s preference is for figures to follow the narrative rather than be embedded in the text.
What are the font and size requirements?11-point, legible font.
What can I include as an appendix?‘In-press’ papers can be included as appendices, as well as any papers that you consider essential for the work of the review committee (not more than three [3]). Any other material should be included, if possible, in the narrative. If you have video attachments for your proposal, please upload as an appendix (all file types are accepted).
How can I find out more about available biospecimens and other data available from the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (Simons VIP)?You can access and request information about Simons VIP biospecimens and data on SFARI Base. If you do not have a SFARI ID, you must create one. If you have problems with the log-in or have questions about the availability of biospecimens or data, please email grants@simonsfoundation.org.
Does the Simons Foundation require letters of support or collaboration?We do not require letters of support or letters of collaboration for Co-investigators. If a letter is prepared, it can be uploaded as “Appendix: In-press papers on related topics.”
s there a minimum percent effort for Principal Investigators or Co-investigators?There is no minimum percent effort required for any personnel, but we expect personnel, in particular Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-investigators, to have efforts that reflect their roles in the project.
Can someone else (assistant, staff, etc.) submit my application for me?Yes, you can add users with administrator access to the proposalCENTRAL application so that someone other than the PI can edit and submit the application.
Can postdoctoral associates apply as PIs?No, postdoctoral associates may not apply. SFARI funds may only be used for personnel considered employees of the grantee institution who are eligible for benefits. Funds may not be used for stipend supplementation unless specifically authorized under the terms of the program from which funds are derived.
Can foreign institutions apply for a grant?Yes, foreign institutions with a 501(c)(3) equivalency may apply.
Can multiple PIs apply for a grant?The applicant organization may designate multiple individuals as PIs who share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically. For more information on the responsibilities of PIs, please refer to the personnel definitions in the SFARI glossary below.
Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions that would like to be paid separately must include a signed signature page, budget template and budget justification for each PI. The budget totals for all non-applicant PIs must be included in the “Consortium and Contractual Direct Costs” section and indirect costs for all non-applicant PIs should be included in the “Other Indirect Costs” section.
Does the PI need to sign the signature page?No, only the signing official is required to sign the signature page.
Where do I upload subcontract budget details? There is no space for this under "Consortium and Contractual Costs."Please upload the completed subcontract budget details/budget justification (available for download in the “Proposal Attachments” section) in the “Proposal Attachments” section of the full application on proposalCENTRAL.
Can I make changes to the application once it has been submitted?You must contact the Simons Foundation to unsubmit your full application before you can edit attachments or HTML sections. Please email grants@simonsfoundation.org or call 646-654-0066 if you would like to unsubmit your application prior to the 8 March 2013 deadline.
Is validating my proposal the same as submitting it?No. “Validating” the proposal checks for errors and omissions and will alert you to missing requirements of your application. If the application is complete, you must then click on “Submit.” You will receive an email within ten minutes, and should contact pcsupport@altum.com if you do not receive confirmation and do not see your application in the “Submitted” tab or with the status changed to “Submitted.”
The deadline for notification has passed. What is the status of my proposal?You should receive notification within 24 hours of the deadline. Please check your spam filter settings if you have not received it by then.
Can PIs and Co-investigators submit multiple applications?Yes, both PIs and Co-investigators can submit multiple applications
If I apply for this award, am I eligible for an additional award type?Please contact the Science Team at sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org if you would like to apply for multiple award types.
Genetic basis of phenotypic variability in 16p11.2 deletion or duplication
- Awarded: 2013
- Award Type: Targeted: Analysis of Simons VIP Biospecimens
- Award #: 294112
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Evan Eichler, Ph.D.
University of Washington