On August 4, 2022, SFARI and Simons Searchlight helped to host two scientific workshops focused on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that are linked to mutations in the CSNK2A1 and SETBP1 genes. Meeting in Baltimore, the workshops were held in conjunction with a family conference that gathered together people with these conditions and their family members.
SFARI hosted a virtual workshop on March 14 and 18, 2022, to discuss the best practices for the development and use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell models for autism research, including iPS cells generated from SFARI autism cohorts.
On March 25 and 28, 2022 SFARI hosted a workshop to explore the role of mitochondria in ASD risk. The workshop brought together experts in mitochondrial research spanning cellular, molecular, genetic, clinical and pharmacological areas and provided points for discussion on how to move this research forward.
A joint project of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) and SFARI, the International Angelman Syndrome Research Council (INSYNC-AS) held its inaugural meeting on July 9, 2021.
On September 27, 2021, SFARI convened a one-day virtual workshop to explore and discuss opportunities and risks for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders through genomic sequencing.
In October and November 2021, SFARI held the fall 2021 science meeting virtually. Across three webinars, nine SFARI-funded researchers discussed their latest findings in autism research to an audience of over 300 attendees, including current and past SFARI Investigators, SFARI collaborators and postdocs training in SFARI-funded labs.
SFARI held a virtual version of its spring science meeting in a series of four webinars in April and May 2021. The webinars were organized around themes of importance in autism research, including biological convergence, sensory sensitivity, treatment development and genetic risk.
On June 25 and 28, 2021, SFARI hosted a workshop to discuss sleep challenges in autism and learn more about ways to improve sleep quality in individuals with the condition. The workshop gathered nearly 40 attendees, including academic researchers, pharmaceutical companies, family organizations and SFARI staff.
On April 26 and 29, 2021, SFARI and the Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain hosted a virtual workshop that focused on the use of rats as a model system for autism spectrum disorder. The workshop discussed advantages and limitations of using rat models, evaluated the need for cross-species studies and considered strategies to move the field forward.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, SFARI ran the fall 2020 science meeting virtually in a series of six weekly webinars, beginning on October 2, 2020. SFARI investigators presented their latest findings in autism research, ranging from autism genetics, through molecular mechanisms and neural circuits, to clinical insights.