2023 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science – Request for Applications

The Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA prioritizes research that produces foundational knowledge about the neurobehavioral differences associated with ASD. These projects are expected to inform or relate to the development and refinement of tools needed for translational efforts, such as biomarkers and outcome measures. Special emphasis is placed on objective, quantitative measures that may be used in conjunction with standardized clinical measures and genomic information to better characterize phenotypic and neurobiological variability within and across individuals with ASD.

Three tracks are offered within this RFA solicitation: Explorer, Expansion and Collaboration. The Explorer track is appropriate for early-stage projects in which establishing feasibility and proof-of-concept are the most relevant outcomes of the grant period. The total budget is $500,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to two (2) years. The Expansion track is appropriate for more mature projects with evidence of feasibility and preliminary validity, for which goals such as scalability, generalizability and/or more comprehensive measure validation are now the most relevant translational outcomes. The total budget is $900,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to three (3) years. The Collaboration track is appropriate for multi-lab, cross-institutional collaborative projects. The total budget is up to $750,000 per lab, for up to four (4) labs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Collaborative proposals should be built around transdisciplinary teams tackling a critical issue in the neurobehavioral differences of autism, with clear translational implications. Collaborations among different institutions are strongly encouraged. SFARI will consider funding a limited number of Collaboration proposals. As such, the proposal must provide a strong rationale for how synergies across multiple disciplines will be leveraged.

Maximum Budget

Explorer Track $500,000 up to two (2) years
Expansion Track $900,000 up to three (3) years
Collaboration Track $750,000 per lab up to three years

Important Dates
  • Application Available
  • Informational Session
  • Application Deadline
  • Award Notification
    September 2023
  • Award Start Dates
    November 1, 2023
    December 1, 2023
    January 1, 2024

Maximum Budget

Explorer Track $500,000 up to two (2) years
Expansion Track $900,000 up to three (3) years
Collaboration Track $750,000 per lab up to three years

Important Dates
  • Application Available
  • Informational Session
  • Application Deadline
  • Award Notification
    September 2023
  • Award Start Dates
    November 1, 2023
    December 1, 2023
    January 1, 2024

Contact Info
Read More
Maximum Budget

Explorer Track $500,000 up to two (2) years
Expansion Track $900,000 up to three (3) years
Collaboration Track $750,000 per lab up to three years

Important Dates
  • Application Available
  • Informational Session
  • Application Deadline
  • Award Notification
    September 2023
  • Award Start Dates
    November 1, 2023
    December 1, 2023
    January 1, 2024

Contact Info

SFARI Mission

The mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.

Background and Objective

The objective of the Human Cognitive and Behavioral RFA is to better understand the cognitive and behavioral foundations of ASD, and to support basic science studies in humans with clear value for improving outcome measures and treatment options. In 2021 and 2022, SFARI has awarded $13.1 million to fund twenty-one projects on cognition and behavior in ASD. In 2023, SFARI is expanding our commitment to this RFA by adding an additional budgetary track: a Collaboration track of up to $750,000 per lab, for up to four (4) labs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Collaboration proposals should be built around transdisciplinary teams tackling a critical issue in the neurobehavioral differences of autism with clear translational implications. Collaborations among different institutions are strongly encouraged. Such proposals must also provide a strong rationale for how synergies across multiple disciplines will be leveraged. SFARI will consider funding a limited number of Collaboration proposals. More details about the types of proposals that are appropriate for the Collaboration track are outlined below.

Scientific Priorities and Scope

The Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA prioritizes research that produces foundational knowledge about the neurobehavioral differences associated with ASD. These projects are expected to inform or relate to the development and refinement of tools needed for translational efforts, such as biomarkers and outcome measures. Special emphasis is placed on objective, quantitative measures that may be used in conjunction with standardized clinical measures and genomic information to better characterize phenotypic and neurobiological variability within and across individuals with ASD.

We encourage studies that capitalize on approaches that are informed by recent advances in computer vision, machine learning and speech processing, as well as psychophysics and non-invasive neuroscience techniques (e.g., EEG and MRI). SFARI has a strong interest in developmentally focused studies in areas that include, but are not limited to, communicative, social and ritualistic/stereotyped behavior, as well as sensory and motor function. SFARI also recognizes the importance of domains of function, such as attention, learning and memory, and sleep, in influencing core ASD diagnostic domains. While applications may propose laboratory-based measures, we are especially interested in real-world, scalable and quantitative measures of behavior (e.g., wearable devices and other methods of digital phenotyping).

We also encourage proposals that not only quantify specific phenotypes, but also may contribute to the development of scalable innovative technologies for improving interventions and supports in humans. Successful applications would include a clear rationale for how the digital technology could be deployed to increase, maintain, or improve quantifiable functional outcomes in individuals with autism; for example, machine learning approaches that could amplify measurable gains from intensive behavioral interventions would be of interest.

In previous versions of this RFA, SFARI received applications that had strong reviewer support in the computational aspects of the proposal but were lacking clinical expertise. Principal investigators (PIs) who do not have substantial expertise with ASD participants should include a close collaborator(s) with such expertise as an additional PI(s) on their grant application or seek advice from appropriate experts.

Applications will be judged on the openness of the proposal’s data-sharing plan. SFARI encourages applicants to include tools that will improve data transparency and accountability, such as Datasheets for Datasets and Model Cards for Model Reporting. SFARI encourages applicants to describe not only how the data will be shared but also how any tools created in their study could be openly shared and utilized by other researchers in the future.

SFARI considers the following as out-of-scope for this RFA: studies with a primary focus on developing new clinical rating scales, or survey-based assessments, or online adaptations of traditional paper and pencil tests or existing assessments, such as cognitive (IQ) or social-cognitive tests. In addition, we discourage applications with a primary focus on psychosocial factors, or those proposing interventional clinical trials. Applications primarily focused on infrastructure or recruitment support of cohorts would also be considered unresponsive.

Level and Duration of Funding

To enhance support of projects all along the continuum of translation, SFARI now offers three tracks within this RFA solicitation: Explorer, Expansion and Collaboration tracks. Applicants should select which track best matches the maturity and goals of their research proposal, as review criteria will be appropriately tailored for each track.

Explorer track

This track is appropriate for early-stage projects in which establishing feasibility and proof-of-concept are the most relevant outcomes of the grant period. The total budget is $500,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to two (2) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $500,000 total budget threshold (see grant policies).

Expansion track

This track is appropriate for more mature projects with evidence of feasibility and preliminary validity, for which goals such as scalability, generalizability and/or more complete measure validation are now the most relevant translational outcomes. The total budget is $900,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $900,000 total budget threshold.

As with all SFARI-funded projects, it is at the foundation’s discretion to modify final budgets and scientific scope as needed. Grant progress will be critically evaluated at the end of each annual funding period before support for the upcoming year will be approved.

Collaboration track

This track is appropriate for multi-lab, cross-institutional collaborative projects. Collaborative proposals should be built around transdisciplinary teams tackling a critical issue in the neurobehavioral differences of autism with clear translational implications. Collaborations among different institutions are strongly encouraged. As stated above, SFARI will consider funding a limited number of Collaboration proposals. As such, the proposal must provide a strong rationale for how synergies across multiple disciplines will be leveraged. The total budget per collaborating lab is $750,000 or less inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, for up to four (4) labs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $750,000 total budget threshold (see grant policies). We welcome applications from up to four collaborating PIs. As with all SFARI-funded projects, it is at the foundation’s discretion to modify final budgets and scientific scope as needed. Grant progress will be critically evaluated at the end of each annual funding period before support for the upcoming year will be approved.

Participant Recruitment and Sample Sizes

Given the heterogeneity and multifactorial causes of ASD, SFARI places a premium on the use of well-characterized and sufficiently powered cohorts. SFARI is particularly interested in research study designs that stratify participants by genetic etiologies or other biologically meaningful criteria.

To facilitate recruitment of cohorts with well-characterized ASD and associated neurodevelopmental disabilities, SFARI has developed the Research Match program. Research Match is a robust in-house program to help investigators recruit participants from Simons collections, including SPARK and Simons Searchlight. RFA applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to use Research Match as part of their participation recruitment strategy.

SPARK Research Match
SPARK Research Match is a service that matches researchers with participants from SPARK, a landmark genetic research project with over 100,000 individuals diagnosed with autism, plus their biological family members. A summary of participants and available data is listed here. To date, SPARK Research Match has supported over 160 studies with SPARK families, ranging from validation of remote novel measurements in very large samples to local laboratory neuroimaging and treatment protocols. A downloadable list of Research Match studies to date is here.

Simons Searchlight Research Match
This service matches researchers with participants with rare genetic conditions associated with ASD. Our unique Simons Searchlight communities include individuals with high-support needs, who are historically underrepresented in research studies, but for whom clinical impact may be particularly meaningful. Examples of potentially impactful studies might include quantitative investigations of communication, motor function or sleep. Previous Research Match projects have included psychophysics experiments, novel eye tracking-based measures and genetic research. To facilitate future research on these rare conditions, SFARI is able to link researchers to in-person pilot data collection opportunities through supported patient advocacy organization conferences throughout the year.

Any research study that uses Research Match will be required to share data back with SFARI, to enhance the database. This will include participation data as well as study-specific data.

Eligibility

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 and units of state and local government; and eligible agencies of the federal government. There are no citizenship or country requirements.

Resubmissions and Multiple Applications

Unsuccessful applications submitted to previous SFARI RFAs may be resubmitted to this RFA, if relevant. For all resubmissions, we ask PIs to submit a statement of changes describing substantive changes to the application since the previous submission. If the previous application was externally reviewed, this document should include point-by-point responses to the reviewers’ critiques. If the revised application does not include substantive changes, it is unlikely that the outcome will change. This is especially true for applications that were not externally reviewed, as this decision is often based on the relevance of the project to SFARI’s mission.

Investigators may submit multiple applications on different topics. However, it is highly unlikely that two awards will be made to the same PI within one RFA cycle.

Instructions for Submission

Applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please click on the Funding Opportunities icon and navigate to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative — Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science call. Click the Create Application button to begin. Applications should be started and submitted under the applicant’s own account in SAM.

Details concerning application requirements and submission can be found in our How to Apply and FAQ sections.

Informational Sessions for Potential Applicants

On March 7, 2023, SFARI held an informational session about the 2022 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science request for applications (RFA). Click here to view the recording.

Additionally, informational videos on submitting applications in SAM can be found here.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to grantmaking that inspires and supports greater diversity and inclusiveness by cultivating a funding environment that ensures representation of all identities and differences and equitable access to information and resources for all applicants and grantees.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants for funding without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. The foundation also funds programs directed at supporting scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups, often working closely with professional societies and other funding agencies.

Of particular relevance to the Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science Award program, applicants are also encouraged to consider the SPARK Research Match Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) request for applications (RFA), which aims to address historic disparities in research participation by Black or African American individuals.

Read More
Maximum Budget

Explorer Track $500,000 up to two (2) years
Expansion Track $900,000 up to three (3) years
Collaboration Track $750,000 per lab up to three years

Important Dates
  • Application Available
  • Informational Session
  • Application Deadline
  • Award Notification
    September 2023
  • Award Start Dates
    November 1, 2023
    December 1, 2023
    January 1, 2024

Contact Info

The deadline for application submission is Thursday, May 4, 2023, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please click on the Funding Opportunities icon and navigate to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative – 2023 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science award call. Click the Create Application button to begin. Applications should be started and submitted under the applicant’s own account in SAM. After creating an application, navigate to the “Applications in Progress” section on your homepage to access the in-progress application.

Please note that anyone submitting an application will be added to the SFARI newsletter mailing list.

Informational Session for Potential Applicants
The Simons Foundation will host an informational session on the scientific content of the RFA with members of the SFARI science team on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. ET Click here to register.

Additionally, informational videos on submitting applications in SAM can be found here.

Application Submission Instructions
To submit an application, the following sections must be completed:

  1. Proposal Tab:
    1. Applicant Details & Personal Data: Enter required fields. The contact PI may edit information via the Edit Profile button as needed.
    2. Academic Degrees: Click the Add/Modify Degree(s) button to provide this information.
    3. Application Details: Provide the required information. Hovering over the question mark icons will provide additional information on required fields. Available start dates include October 1, November 1, and December 1, 2023.
    4. Proposal – The following information/upload must be provided:
      1. Simons Collections Data and/or Biospecimens: If there are SSC, Searchlight, SPARK or AIC samples or phenotypic data requested in the application, indicate accordingly.
      2. Specific Aims: Upload via template provided.
      3. Proposal Narrative: Upload via template provided.
      4. Human Participants Study Information Sheet: Upload via the template provided (only applicable if you are conducting human participant research/clinical studies).
      5. Statement of Changes: Upload via the template provided (only applicable if your application is a resubmission. Not a visible field for new submissions).
      6. Personnel Biosketches: Provide biosketches for all key personnel on the project. Upload using the template provided or using your NIH biosketch or NIH SciENcv.
      7. Resources and Research Environment: Upload via template provided.
      8. Other: Upload any application materials that were specifically requested. Additionally, in-press papers can be included, as well as any papers that you consider essential for the work of the review committee. Include no more than three (3) papers. Any other material should be included, if possible, in the narrative.
    5. Data & Renewable Reagents: Indicate your plan for sharing data and renewable reagents (if applicable) by answering the provided questions.
  2. Contacts and Personnel Tab:
    1. Institution Administrative Contacts: At least one institution signing official and financial officer must be added to the Institution Administrative Contacts section before you will be able to submit your application.
    2. Project Personnel: Please indicate all key personnel on the proposed project. Important: Please do not include the contact PI (main PI) in this section. Key personnel include any other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they request salaries or compensation. This may include co-investigators, collaborators, postdoctoral research associates or equivalent employee positions.
      1. Project personnel who will be named in the budget must be added to the Project Personnel section on this tab before they will display as available options in the budget module. This does not apply to TBD personnel.
      2. Instructions for Multiple PIs: The applicant PI will be the designated contact PI for the project. The contact PI will be responsible for directing the project and will coordinate all administrative deliverables.
        1. Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions who would like to be paid separately must list the additional PI(s) in the Project Personnel section and use the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Principal Investigator (Multi-Site).” This will generate a linked application that the additional PI and their institution must complete. Additional PIs will be notified via email that they have been invited to participate in a collaboration and will be able to access their application upon logging into SAM, which includes a budget and requires sign-off by a signing official from the individual PI’s institution. Additional PIs can work on their applications at the same time as the contact PI.
        2. Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions who would like to be paid directly by the main institution are considered subcontracts. Subcontract PIs should be listed in the Project Personnel section either with or without access.
          1. Subcontract PIs with access should be added using the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Subcontract Lead – With Application Access,” which will generate an email notification that they have been added to the application with access to view or edit the main or any subcontract budgets.
          2. Subcontract Leads without access should be added using the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Key Personnel (Including Subcontracts) – Without Application Access,” which will not notify the Subcontract PI and will not give them access. Instead, this allows the contact PI to fill out the subcontract budget on their behalf.
        3. Applications from multiple PIs at the same institution do not need to submit additional materials. Additional non-applicant PIs can be added to this section as “Key Personnel – With Access” or “Key Personnel (Including Subcontracts) – Without Application Access.” Under “add more details,” select the role “Non-Contact Principal Investigator.”
  3. Budget Tab: Click the Edit/Modify button to add a detailed budget. Any errors that must be corrected before submission will be displayed in red above the budget. If a budget has more than one period, using the “copy from previous period” functionality will copy items from the previous period into the current period.
    1. Subcontractor Budgets, including budgets with PIs from different institutions who would like to be paid directly by the main institution, will be visible once the Subcontract is added in the Contacts and Key Personnel tab as described above.
    2. Multi-site budgets from different institutions that would like to be paid separately will be visible on each PI’s individual application, but they will not be able to see any individual salary information. They will see an aggregated personnel total.
    3. Budget Considerations
      1. Personnel: Please note that there is no salary cap for PIs or other faculty on a Simons Foundation grant; however, the compensation is prorated according to the individual’s percent effort on the grant. There is no minimum percent effort required for PIs or other personnel on any SFARI award type, but it is expected that the PI will commit sufficient effort to this project to provide a leading intellectual and guiding role on the project. PIs committing less than 15 percent effort to their project should justify their effort level in detail. SFARI funds may be used only for personnel considered employees of the grantee institution who are eligible for benefits. Funds may not be used for stipend or benefit supplementation unless specifically authorized under the terms of the program from which funds are derived. The Simons Foundation reserves the right to modify budgets when an application has been selected for an award (see Simons Foundation policies).
      2. Indirect costs (IDCs): Indirect costs to the primary institution are limited to 20 percent of direct costs with the following exceptions: equipment, tuition and any portion of each subcontract in excess of $25,000. The primary institution may take indirect costs on the first $25,000 modified total direct costs of each subcontract. Indirect costs paid to a subcontractor may not exceed 20 percent of the modified total direct costs paid to the subcontractor.
      3. Equipment: The Simons Foundation will own equipment purchased with foundation grant funds with a unit cost of $50,000 or more. At the end of the grant funding period or in the case of grant termination for any reason, the foundation reserves the right to retain ownership or cede ownership to the PI’s institution. Equipment with a unit cost of less than $50,000 shall be the property of the institution.
      4. Biospecimens: If the proposal includes the use of Simons Collection biospecimens (i.e., from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) or Simons Searchlight), the Simons Foundation will review the estimated cost based on the price list on SFARI.org. Biospecimen costs will be considered separately from other project costs. Enter the projected figure under “Other Expenses.” A description of use, including the number and type of biospecimens, should be included in the proposal narrative and budget justification. Biospecimen costs must be excluded from the IDC cost calculation: if they are calculated automatically, please manually exclude them from the IDC calculation.
      5. Budget Tracks: Applicants must choose either the Explorer, Expansion or Collaboration track (see the RFA for detailed descriptions of each track). Please ensure that your budget does not exceed the maximum for its chosen track. As with all Simons Foundation funded projects, it is at the foundation’s discretion to modify final budgets as needed. Grant progress will be critically evaluated at the end of each annual funding period before support for the upcoming year will be approved. As such, it is to the investigator’s advantage to include realistic budget estimations in their initial grant application.
  4. Abstract and Keywords Tab: Enter your scientific abstract for a technical audience as text in this section. Do not exceed 500 words.
  5. Publications & Other Support Tab:
    1. Publications: Follow instructions for providing publications for all key personnel on the project. Publications can be added as a batch from a Pubmed search by selecting Select publication from profile and then clicking the Assign Publications for this Proposal button. Note that publications will be used to determine conflicts of interest (COIs) for the review of your proposal; including a complete list of your publications over the last seven (7) years using this function, rather than the PDF upload option, will expedite the review process.
    2. Other Support: Follow instructions for providing other support information for all key personnel on the project.
      1. If using PDF upload, use NIH format.
  6. Organization Assurances: Indicate if the application has organizational assurances, Including IRB and/or IACUC. If so, click the “Add/Modify Assurances” button to add the assurance type, status, approval date, expiration date, and protocol number.
  7. Check Application Progress: Click the Check Application Progress button to check for any missing required information or files. All missing required information will be listed at the top of the screen and must be corrected before the application can be submitted.
  8. Send for sign-off (one institution or multiple institutions paid directly by the main institution as subcontracts): When the application is complete, click on the “Send for sign-off” button to send to your signing official for signature. The Signing Official added to the application will see the application in the “Applications to Review” section when they log in and will be responsible for signing and submitting the application to the Simons Foundation.
  9. Send for signoff (multi-site applications paid separately): Multi-site applications for institutions paid separately have an additional step for final submission. Once all linked applications have been signed by each institution’s signing official as described above, the contact PI will receive a notification that the application package is ready for submission. The contact PI should click on “Submit Application Package” to finalize and submit the application package including all components from multiple sites.
  10. Confirmation of submission: A confirmation page will appear once the application is successfully submitted. For non-collaboration applications, the Signing Official will see the confirmation page. For multi-site applications for institutions paid separately, the contact PI will see the confirmation page that the package has been submitted. Please note that you will not be able to submit an application if the deadline has passed.
Read More
Maximum Budget

Explorer Track $500,000 up to two (2) years
Expansion Track $900,000 up to three (3) years
Collaboration Track $750,000 per lab up to three years

Important Dates
  • Application Available
  • Informational Session
  • Application Deadline
  • Award Notification
    September 2023
  • Award Start Dates
    November 1, 2023
    December 1, 2023
    January 1, 2024

Contact Info
  • Eligibilityplus--large
      Am I eligible to be a Principal Investigator (PI) on a SFARI award?plus--large

      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 and units of state and local government; and eligible agencies of the federal government. There are no citizenship or country requirements. See the Personnel FAQ section for more information on the responsibilities of a SFARI PI.

      PIs who do not have substantial experience with ASD participants should include a close collaborator with such expertise on their grant application (e.g., multi-PI application).

      Can postdoctoral associates apply as PIs? plus--large

      No, postdoctoral associates may not apply as PIs even if your institution is willing to submit an application on your behalf.

      Senior postdoctoral research associates who are interested in pursuing an independent career in autism research are encouraged to apply for SFARI’s Bridge to Independence Award RFA.

      Can foreign institutions apply for a grant?plus--large

      Yes, foreign institutions may apply. Please see Simons Foundation policies regarding international grants.

      I am a recipient of the SFARI Bridge to Independence (BTI) award. Am I eligible to apply as a PI to the Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA? plus--large

      A SFARI policy change in effect since July 2022 now allows BTI awardees to apply as a PI to the SFARI 2022 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA, as long as they meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the RFA.

  • Personnelplus--large
      What is the difference between a principal investigator (PI) and a co-investigator?plus--large

      Principal Investigator
      The individual(s) judged by the applicant organization to have the appropriate level of authority and responsibility to direct the project or program supported by the grant. All PIs 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. They are responsible and accountable to the applicant organization and SFARI for the proper conduct of the project or activity, including the submission of all required reports. They will act as the main point of contact for the foundation.

      Co-investigator
      An individual involved with the PI in the scientific development or execution of a project. The co-investigator must hold a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent and be employed by, or affiliated with, the applicant/grantee organization or another organization participating in the project under a consortium agreement. A co-investigator is considered key personnel, but the Simons Foundation does not require a minimum effort from the co-investigator. The designation of a co-investigator, if applicable, does not affect the PI’s roles and responsibilities, nor is it a role implying multiple PIs.

      Is there a minimum percent effort for PIs or co-investigators?plus--large

      We seek applications from independent investigators who can devote a substantial portion of time to this effort. There is no minimum percent effort required for any personnel, but we expect personnel, in particular PIs and co-investigators, to have efforts that reflect their roles in the project.

      Can multiple PIs apply for a grant?plus--large

      When relevant, the applicant organization may designate multiple individuals as PIs who share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically. Each PI is responsible and accountable to the applicant organization or, as appropriate, to a collaborating organization, for the proper conduct of the project or program, including the submission of all required reports. The presence of more than one identified PI on an application or award diminishes neither the responsibility nor the accountability of any individual PI.

      PIs who do not have substantial experience working with ASD participants should include a close collaborator with such expertise on their grant application (e.g., multi-PI application).

      The first PI listed, under whose name the application is submitted, will serve as the contact PI for administrative purposes. The contact PI must be affiliated with the institution submitting the application. The contact PI will be responsible for communication between SFARI and the rest of the leadership team.

      The role type “Co-PI” will not be used by SFARI.

      How do I designate multiple PIs on the application?plus--large

      Multiple PIs can be added under three scenarios: when they are from different institutions that would like to be paid separately, when they are from different institutions that would like to be paid directly by the main institution, and when they are from the same institution. Instructions for each scenario are below. Please also refer to the instructional videos, “Add contacts to an application,” “Generate collaboration and multi-site applications,” and “Add a subcontract budget to an application,” on our website.

      Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions that would like to be paid separately must list the additional PI(s) in the Project Personnel section and use the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Principal Investigator: Multi-Site.” This will generate a linked application that the additional PI and their institution must complete. Additional PIs will be notified via email that they have been invited to participate in a collaboration and will be able to access their application upon logging into SAM, which includes a budget and requires sign-off by a signing official from the individual PI’s institution. Additional PIs can work on their applications at the same time as the contact PI.

      Applications with multiple PIs from different institutions that would like to be paid directly by the main institution are considered subcontracts. Subcontract PIs should be listed in the Project Personnel section either with or without access.

      1. Subcontract PIs with access should be added using the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Subcontract Lead – With Application Access,” which will generate an email notification that they have been added to the application with access to view or edit the main or any subcontract budgets.
      2. Subcontract Leads without access should be added using the Application Role dropdown that indicates “Key Personnel (Including Subcontracts) – Without Application Access,” which will not notify the Subcontract PI and will not allow them access. Instead, this allows the contact PI to fill out the subcontract budget on their behalf.

      Applications from multiple PIs at the same institution do not need to submit additional materials. Additional non-applicant PIs can be added to this section as “Key Personnel – With Access” or “Key Personnel (Including Subcontracts) – Without Application Access.” Under “add more details,” select the role “Non-Contact Principal Investigator.”

      As the contact PI, should I be listed as key personnel in the application in SAM under the Project Personnel section?plus--large

      Important: Please do not include the contact PI (main PI) in this section. Key personnel include any other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they request salaries or compensation. This may include co-investigators, collaborators, postdoctoral research associates or equivalent employee positions.

      Where do I enter additional co-investigators and additional key personnel?plus--large

      You can save personnel details in the Project Personnel section on the Contacts and Personnel tab of the application.

      Can co-investigators and additional personnel be listed on multiple applications?plus--large

      Yes, co-investigators and additional personnel can be listed on multiple applications.

      Does the Simons Foundation require letters of support or collaboration?plus--large

      We do not require letters of support or letters of collaboration from co-investigators. If a letter is prepared, it can be uploaded in the Other section.

  • Submissionplus--large
      What is the submission schedule? plus--large

      The submission schedule is as follows:

      • February 28, 2023: RFA Opens
      • May 4, 2023,12:00 p.m. ET: Full Application Submission Deadline
      Where do I submit the proposal?plus--large

      Applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please click on the Funding Opportunities icon and navigate to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative — Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science call. Click the Create Application button to begin. Applications should be started and submitted under the applicant’s own account in SAM. After creating an application, navigate to the “Applications in Progress” section on your homepage to access the in-progress application.

      How do I create an account in SAM?plus--large

      If you are applying to the Simons Foundation for the first time, please register in SAM before selecting “Apply now.” If you have a ProposalCentral (pC ) account, a profile was created for you in SAM using the email address associated with your pC account. Please select “Forgot Password?,” set a new password for your SAM account and then select “Apply now.”

      Can I email or mail a proposal?plus--large

      No, the Simons Foundation accepts only applications submitted online through Simons Award Manager (SAM).

      Can someone else (assistant, staff member, etc.) submit my application for me?plus--large

      Yes, adding a user to the Institution Administrative Contacts section of the application as an Institution Administrator will give them full access to edit an application and submit it for sign-off. To do so, the person who created the application would navigate to the contacts and personnel tab of the application. Under the Institution Administrative Contacts section, they would select the user and use the drop-down to indicate their role. If the user does not yet exist, click on the “create new institution official” button, and add the newly created user as an Institutional Administrator.

      Separately, to modify another user’s degrees, publications and other support, the user must add them to the Profile Access tab of their profile.

      Does the PI need to sign and submit the application?plus--large

      If one institution is included, or if multiple institutions are included but they are all paid directly by the main institution as subcontracts, only the Signing Official may sign and submit the application. When the application is complete, the PI will click on the “send for sign-off” button to send to their signing official for signature. Your signing official will see the application in the “Applications to Review” section when they log in and will be responsible for signing and submitting the application to the Simons Foundation.

      Multi-site applications for institutions paid separately have an additional step for final submission. Once all linked applications have been signed by each institution’s signing official as described above, the contact PI will receive a notification that the application is ready for submission. The contact PI should click on “Submit Application Package” to finalize and submit the application package including all components from multiple sites.

      Where is the Submit button?plus--large

      The Submit button is located at the bottom right of the screen. You will be unable to submit if you have not provided all the required information. If the submission deadline has NOT passed, use the Check Application Progress button to check for missing requirements. If the problem persists, please contact [email protected].

      If the deadline has passed, the submission period has closed, and you will not be able to submit.

      I get an error message citing a missing section when I try to submit.plus--large

      The Check Application Progress button reviews your application for missing sections. The submission instructions list the required sections and attachments. You must complete the missing sections listed. If you are still receiving error messages after completing and saving the indicated sections, please contact [email protected].

      Are deadline times adjusted for time zones?plus--large

      No, please be advised that application deadlines on the application are in Eastern Time. We recommend registering early and submitting applications with ample time for corrections prior to the deadline hour. Site traffic can slow page-load times. The “Submit” button will not work after the deadline time has passed.

      Is there a confirmation email when I submit?plus--large

      A confirmation email is sent upon submission of the application. Make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected]. Additionally, the application will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications in Progress table after submission.

      Can I make changes to the application once it has been submitted?plus--large

      Before you can make changes to your submitted application, you must first contact the Simons Foundation. Please email [email protected].  Applications can only be changed prior to the deadline.

      The funding notification date has passed, and I haven’t received a notification. What is the status of my proposal?plus--large

      You should receive notification within 24 hours of the deadline. Please check your spam filter settings if you have not received notification by then.

  • Proposalplus--large
      What should be included in the Specific Aims Page?plus--large

      The Specific Aims page should be a summary of the proposed project focused on the research aims of the project, including a concise rationale for the hypothesis, description of preliminary data and experimental approach, and impact on autism research. Applicants should also indicate whether they are applying to the Explorer, Expansion or Collaboration track (see also Budget FAQ).

      What is the page limit for the Specific Aims Page?plus--large

      The Specific Aims page should not exceed one (1) page of single-spaced, size 11 text, 0.5 margins.

      What is the page limit for the Proposal Narrative?plus--large

      Proposal Narratives should not exceed five (5) pages single-spaced, size 11 text, 0.5 margins. Figures, figure legends and references should follow the narrative text and will NOT count towards the page limit.

      How should the Proposal Narrative be organized?plus--large

      The Proposal Narrative should be considered an expanded version of the Specific Aims page and used to provide more detail on the following:

      • Relevant scientific background
      • Preliminary results when applicable
      • Specific aims
      • Experimental design, including data analysis plan
      • Pitfalls and alternative strategies
      • Project significance and relevance to autism
      • Timeline and milestones

      SFARI considers the following information crucial for the evaluation of a project and encourages including the following details (where relevant):

      • Patient cohorts used (including source of participants, sample size and availability of genetic data). Investigators should also complete the Human Participants Study Information Sheet. Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to use SPARK or Simons Searchlight Research Match as part of their participation recruitment strategy.
      • Datasets or biospecimen collections to be used (including SFARI resources) and their availability
      • A statement on statistical power and analytical plan
      Are references, figures and figure legends included in the Proposal Narrative page limit? How should they be included?plus--large

      References, figures and figure legends are not included in the page limits for the Proposal Narrative, although we have a limit of five (5) figures (each fitting on a single page). Please attach them at the end of the 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. References should be in Journal of Neuroscience format, including full author list, title and a link. The Foundation does not require a minimum.

      What can I include as an appendix?plus--large

      In-press papers can be included as appendices, as well as any papers that you consider essential for the work of the review committee but include no more than three (3) papers. Any other material should be included, if possible, in the narrative. If you have video attachments for your proposal, please upload them as an appendix (all file types are accepted).

      I plan to recruit human participants for my proposed study. Do I need to provide more information beyond what is included in my Proposal Narrative?plus--large

      Yes. All applications proposing to recruit human participants must complete the Human Participants Study Information Sheet available in SAM.

  • Budgetplus--large
      I see that there are three budget tracks available. How do the tracks differ and what are their respective budget limits? plus--large

      Applicants should select which track best matches the maturity and goals of their research proposal, as review criteria will be appropriately tailored for each track.

      Explorer track

      This track is appropriate for early-stage projects where establishing feasibility and proof-of-concept are the most relevant outcomes of the grant period. The total budget is $500,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to two (2) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $500,000 total budget threshold (see grant policies).

      Expansion track

      This track is appropriate for more mature projects with evidence of feasibility and preliminary validity, for which goals such as scalability, generalizability and/or more complete measure validation are now the most relevant translational outcomes. The total budget is $900,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $900,000 total budget threshold.

      Collaboration Track

      This track is appropriate for multi-lab, cross-institutional collaborative projects. Collaborative proposals should be built around transdisciplinary teams that are tackling a critical issue in the neurobehavioral differences present in autism, with clear translational implications. The total budget per collaborating lab is $750,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, for up to four (4) labs, over a period of up to three (3) years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $750,000 total budget threshold (see grant policies). We welcome applications from up to four collaborating PIs.

      As with all SFARI-funded projects, it is at the foundation’s discretion to modify final budgets and scientific scope as needed. Grant progress will be critically evaluated at the end of each annual funding period before support for the upcoming year will be approved.

      How do I indicate my selected budget track in my application?plus--large

      There are two places to indicate the budget track within the application:

      • In the proposal tab, applicants will select either the Explorer, Expansion or Collaboration budget track via a check box.
      • On the Specific Aims page (template available in SAM), applicants should also indicate whether they are applying to the Explorer, Expansion or Collaboration track.
      I plan to use SPARK or Simons Searchlight Research Match as part of my participant recruitment strategy. Do the services provided in this program include cost savings to my study team? plus--large

      Most likely. Research Match includes services for identifying and contacting participants on behalf of your study. As such, some study team costs which are typically budgeted to a PI’s grant may be reduced with the use of Research Match. Simons Foundation will work, as needed, with applicants selected for funding through this RFA to arrive at mutually agreeable budget terms.

      What do I do if there is a subcontract on the application? plus--large

      Applications with a subcontract (including additional PIs from institutions that will be paid directly by the contact PI’s institution) should review the instructional video, “Add a subcontract budget to an application,” on our website.

      Are indirect costs included in the budget limits?plus--large

      Yes. For the Explorer track, the total budget is $500,000 or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to two (2) years. For the Expansion track, the total budget is $900,000 or less inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to three (3) years. For the Collaboration track, the total budget is $750,000 or less per lab, for up to four (4) labs, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of up to three (3) years. There is an exception: Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in total budget thresholds.

      Please note that indirect costs cannot be taken on tuition, equipment with a unit cost of more than $10,000, or Simons Collection biospecimens.

      Do budget limits include the cost of purchasing Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) and Simons Searchlight biospecimens?plus--large

      No, SSC, Simons Searchlight and Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) biospecimen costs are not included in the budget limit. Prices can be found on the price list on our website.

  • Accessing Simons Collection Resources (i.e., SSC, Simons Searchlight, SPARK and AIC)plus--large
      How can I find out more about available data and biospecimens (where applicable) from the SSC, Simons Searchlight, SPARK, AIC and Autism BrainNet?plus--large

      You can access and request information about the SSCSimons SearchlightSPARKAIC and Autism BrainNet on SFARI Base. If you do not have SFARI Base account, you must create one. If you have problems with the log in or have questions regarding the collections, please email [email protected].

      How can I apply to recruit SPARK or Simons Searchlight participants for my research studies?plus--large

      Researchers may submit an application on SFARI Base. The SPARK and Simons Searchlight Participant Access Committee considers applications on a quarterly basis, but applications may be submitted at any time. Please refer to the SPARK recruitment process document for more details and email [email protected] with any questions.

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