Autism Basic Research Pilot Project RFA (NJ) Grant

The Autism Basic Research Pilot Project RFA (NJ) aims to support innovative research into the mechanisms underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through two funding opportunities: Clinical Research Pilot Projects (3 years) and Basic Science Research Pilot Projects (2 years). This initiative encourages both established and new researchers to explore diverse approaches, including genetic and environmental factors, to improve understanding and treatment of ASD in New Jersey.

The annual TA session is mandatory for all applicants; those who do not register and attend will have their application removed from consideration.
Introduction
The purpose of these research grant programs are to promote and support research capable of advancing the mission of the Council with the issuance of 2 research initiative opportunities:

• Clinical Research Pilot Projects (3 years).Basic Science Research Pilot Projects (2 years).

The awards for these research grant programs are intended to promote ASD research in New Jersey, not to provide long-term support. The data and results gained by using Council funds will allow investigators from New Jersey to develop stronger proposals for submission to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and biomedical research foundations.
Basic Research Pilot Projects will explore the mechanisms underlying ASD. Basic Research Pilot Projects may explore genetic, biochemical, morphological, or other mechanisms contributing to the development and characterization of ASD. All projects that focus on the mechanism of disease should be submitted to the basic research program.
This RFA is open to existing autism researchers and welcomes new investigators using approaches that are not currently widely reflected in autism research, as well as investigators who previously committed a major component of their research program to autism. Applicants are specifically invited to:
Take new technical or intellectual tactics that may link different levels of understanding with one another (genetic, developmental, circuit, behavioral, animal, human),Propose work that may open long-term possibilities for eventual treatment or diagnostic options,Propose work to understand the biological basis for heterogeneity in ASD, or
Explore the effects of the immune system, infectious disease, epigenetics, or the environment, including toxins, on brain development.
Funding
Basic Research Pilot Projects applicants may apply for a two (2)-year stipend for a total of $200,000.