Explorer Awards

The Explorer Awards Request for Applications (RFA) was designed to enhance SFARI's existing support of autism research by providing timely resources to enable high-risk/high-impact, exploratory experiments relevant to their mission. The program supports exploratory experiments that will strengthen hypotheses and lead to the formulation of competitive applications for subsequent larger-scale funding by SFARI or other organizations. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders or potential therapeutic approaches requires investigation at multiple levels, including but not limited to studies focused on gene discovery, molecular mechanisms, circuits, anatomy, and cognition and behavior. The program especially encouraged applications from investigators who are new to the field of autism, but who have expertise that could be brought to bear on this complex disorder. Applications were considered on a rolling basis, with a response time as early as 30 days.