[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov/)

November 2, 2026 (forecasted)

Estimated total funding: $10,000,000 | Expected number of awards: 3

Supports multi-site, collaborative research projects advancing autism research using cutting-edge technologies and methods.

This is a forecasted opportunity; application instructions will be released in the future.

--- ## Description The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), in partnership with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), intends to solicit applications for the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) Network. This program aims to fund multi-site research projects that build on over two decades of ACE research, leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative approaches to address critical questions in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Each ACE Network is expected to submit a single R01 application, incorporating sub-awards to collaborating sites. This is a forecasted funding opportunity. The Notice is intended to give researchers ample time to develop collaborations and project concepts before the formal application period opens. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: November 2, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $10,000,000 - Expected number of awards: 3 - Funding mechanism: R01 Research Project Grant - Award ceiling and floor not specified --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - State, county, city, and township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories or possessions - Eligible agencies of the Federal Government - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Others as specified in the [grants.gov listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360643) There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Application Process - This is a **forecasted opportunity**; applications are not being accepted at this time. - The formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published in the future, with detailed application instructions and requirements. - Researchers are encouraged to begin forming collaborations and project plans in anticipation of the official NOFO. --- ## Additional Information - The ACE Network uses the R01 funding mechanism to support multi-site, collaborative projects. - Each network should focus on a specific research topic within the autism spectrum disorder field. - The opportunity encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches. --- ## External Links - [Full listing and updates on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360643) - [NICHD Autism Centers of Excellence Program](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/ace) *(for background information)* --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|--------------------------|--------------| | Alice Kau, Ph.D.| [Kaua@mail.nih.gov](mailto:Kaua@mail.nih.gov) | 301-496-1385 |

Autism Centers of Excellence R01

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