Circuit Dynamics Request for Applications
This RFA was intended to advance our understanding of the circuit basis for behavioral and cognitive alterations relevant to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal was 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.
- Application Deadline
- Notification of Award
- Funding Expected to Begin
- Application Deadline
- Notification of Award
- Funding Expected to Begin
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SFARI Grant Programs
[email protected]
- Application Deadline
- Notification of Award
- Funding Expected to Begin
-
SFARI Grant Programs
[email protected]
This request for applications (RFA) was intended to advance our understanding of the circuit basis for behavioral and cognitive alterations relevant to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal was 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 sought applications for investigations of neural circuits in awake, behaving rodent models of autism. It was anticipated that SFARI would work closely with awarded investigative teams on all major aspects of the project, including selection of rodent models, data coordination and dissemination.
Priority was given to projects focused on those behaviors for which the underlying circuits are reasonably well established. Exploratory analysis in other circuits was acceptable if the behavior is highly relevant to autism. Experiments included electrical or optical multi-neuronal recordings within microcircuits or macrocircuits. Studies centered on brain activity in awake, behaving animals. The use of anesthetized or reduced preparations was permissible, but only in support of the experiments in awake animals.
In order to find commonalities and distinctions between models, recordings needed to be carried out in two or more rodent models of autism, with a view to future inclusion of additional models. As with all complex projects, some technical optimization was expected; however, the majority of the project period was not to be devoted to development of technical capabilities. As such, we expected that competitive applications would be from labs proposing to apply their established technical capabilities to the study of autism rodent models.
- Application Deadline
- Notification of Award
- Funding Expected to Begin
-
SFARI Grant Programs
[email protected]
- Application Deadline
- Notification of Award
- Funding Expected to Begin
-
SFARI Grant Programs
[email protected]
-
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 “SFARI Circuit Dynamics RFA” 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).
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.”
Is 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] if you would like to apply for multiple award types.
Dissecting striatal circuit dynamics during repetitive behaviors in autism
- Awarded: 2013
- Award Type: Targeted: Circuit Dynamics
- Award #: 294295
- Rui Costa, D.V.M., Ph.D. Champalimaud Foundation
Neural and cognitive discoordination in autism-related mouse models
- Awarded: 2013
- Award Type: Targeted: Circuit Dynamics
- Award #: 294388
- André Fenton, Ph.D. New York University
Linking circuit dynamics and behavior in a rat model of autism
- Awarded: 2013
- Award Type: Targeted: Circuit Dynamics
- Award #: 291584
- Loren Frank, Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco
Optical measurement of circuit dynamics in autism models in virtual reality
- Awarded: 2013
- Award Type: Targeted: Circuit Dynamics
- Award #: 294580
- Christopher Harvey, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School
Linking cortical circuit dysfunction and abnormal behavior in genetic mouse models of autism
- Awarded: 2014
- Award Type: Targeted: Circuit Dynamics
- Award #: 295438
- Carlos Portera-Cailliau, M.D., Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles