OAR Applied Research Competition Grant

OAR Applied Research Competition Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Organization For Autism Research
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: December 07, 2025

Summary

The OAR Applied Research Competition focuses on addressing the challenges faced by autistic individuals through practical research. It aims to fund studies that enhance the quality of life for autistic people and their families by promoting evidence-based practices, particularly in areas such as community engagement, health, and support services. With up to $50,000 available for each of the 8 grants, OAR emphasizes research that can influence public policy and create positive outcomes in autism intervention.

Overview

Mission OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. We strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of autistic people, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to autistic people and those around them defines our goals and program objectives and shapes our budget. In addition to funding research, our mission includes the requirements to: Disseminate new and useful information to as many members of the autism community as possible, andDirect all research and programs initiatives toward enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals and the families that give them love and support. If you are wondering what we mean by applied research, we define it as research that directly impacts the day-to-day quality of life of autistic people. It entails the systematic investigation of variables associated with positive outcomes in such areas as education, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, behavior, and adult and community living. In this context, it extends to issues related to family support, the efficacy of service delivery systems, and demographic analyses of the autism community. In simplest terms, applied autism research is “practical research that examines issues and challenges that autistic children and adults and their families face every day.” Applied Research Competition Through this competition, OAR seeks to promote evidence-based practices based on research in the following areas: The analysis, evaluation, or comparison of current models of assessment, intervention, or systems of service delivery, including policy analysisApplied aspects of educational, behavioral, or social/communicative interventionEffective intervention across the lifespan for individuals considered severely affected by ASDIssues affecting adults with autism such as continuing education, employment, residential supports, sexuality instruction, quality-of-life determinants, and services and supports for older autistic individualsIssues related to family support, social and community integration, assessment and intervention with challenging behavior, and the use of technology in support of learners with ASD Objective AR seeks to fund studies that expand the body of knowledge related to autism intervention and treatment, produce practical and clearly objective results, have the potential to positively affect public policy, and provide outcomes that offer to enhance quality of life for persons with autism and their families. While applicants are always free to submit on any relevant area of research or intervention, this year, OAR has placed special emphasis on research addressing the following areas: Community-Engaged ResearchCommunity-Based Assessment and InterventionCommunity-Living and SupportsGender, Reproductive, and Sexual HealthPhysical Health and Mental HealthImproving Access to and Effectiveness of Existing Systems and ServicesIntersectionality, Equity and DiversityMid-life and Older Adults Study duration may range from one to two years. Funding OAR will consider awarding up to 8 grant awards of $50,000 each.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. At least one member of the research team must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and maintain a faculty position or equivalent at a college, university, medical school, or other research facility. International researchers are eligible to apply.Applicants who are in transition between research institutions during the competition period but before the study period begins are still eligible to apply. In such cases, applicants must coordinate with the proper office of sponsored programs, and briefly explain the pending status of IRB approval within the application.What OAR Will Fund: The majority of OAR’s funds must be applied directly to the proposed research study. These costs may include but are not limited to:Time and salary for the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or other research team members, prorated by time allocated to the projectConsumable materials and resources directly used to conduct or support the studyFees related to support of the study: data collection, statistical analysis, and compilation.Stipends, reimbursements, and rewards for research participantsTravel related to the conduct of the research

Ineligibility

What OAR Will Not Fund: As a general rule, OAR will not approve using OAR funds for items along these lines.Flat Allowance for ”Administrative” or “Indirect” costsPlant and equipmentEmerging TechnologyConference presentations and manuscriptsTuition reimbursement