The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) aims to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by supporting high-quality, relevant innovative research. It emphasizes the importance of diversity in the scientific community as a crucial component for advancing autism science.
The SFARI Supplement to Enhance Equity and Diversity (SEED) program supports existing grant holders in recruiting new lab members from underrepresented minority groups in the U.S. at the postdoctoral level. It targets African American/Black, Latin American/Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander demographics. The program focuses on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within autism research by encouraging recruitment from institutions with significant minority enrollment, including historically Black colleges and universities. Eligible principal investigators may request up to $100,000 per year for a maximum of three years, covering salary, fringe benefits, travel, professional development, and up to $10,000 per year for lab supplies necessary for the research project. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.