Open call – Simons Foundation – 2023 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science Message Center

Mar 20, 2023 | Awards & Funding, Research

To: All Science Faculty & Researchers
From: The Office of Foundations Relations
Subject: Funding Opportunity

The Office of Foundations Relations is pleased to share this open call for funding from the Simons Foundation. 

 UCSC Contact: Samantha Forde | forde@ucsc.edu
Funder: Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)
Opportunity: 2023 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Deadline:  May 5, 2023, 9:00 am PT

Overview

The Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA prioritizes research that produces foundational knowledge about the neurobehavioral differences associated with autism spectrum disorders (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.

SFARI encourages 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 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.


(1) 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.

Amount and Terms

  • Up to $500,000, 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.

(2) 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.

Amount and Terms

  • Up to $900,000, 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.

(3) 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.

Amount and Terms

  • Up to $750,000, 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).
  • SFARI welcomes applications from up to four collaborating PIs.

Please see a list of past awardees.


All three tracks

Eligibility

  • All applicants and key collaborators must hold a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree.
  • All applicants have a faculty position or the equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility.

Please click here to consult a list of FAQs.

 Timeline

May 4, 2023          Application deadline
Late August, 2023 Applicants notified
October 1, 2023     Award Start Date

Special Instructions

Please notify the Office of Foundation Relations if you are interested in applying to this opportunity (cfr@ucsc.edu). Please submit a proposal intake form prior to UCSC’s internal Institutional Deadlines. For support developing your proposal, please contact the Research Development Specialist assigned to your unit or send a request to resdev@ucsc.edu.

 Call sent: March 17, 2023


The Office Foundation Relations is a unit of University Relations. The FR team creates and maintains mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with private organizations, matching grant initiatives with educational and research programs and centers. FR supports faculty and staff to identify and approach these and other private foundations and corporations for funding, to assist in strategic positioning of the grant application, and to facilitate funder campus visits.

For a list of recent funding opportunities, please visit the FR website.  FR Calls for Funding

If you have any questions or comments, please contact forde@ucsc.edu