SPARK Research Match Expansion Request for Applications
Supports autism research using SPARK Research Match to increase participation and data from genetically underrepresented groups, aiming to improve demographic diversity in autism studies.
Funder: Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (quarterly: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, projected) | September 2026 (projected) | December 2026 (projected) | March 2027 (projected)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 maximum per study, used exclusively for participant incentives (e-gift cards) for undersampled groups.
Summary: Supports autism research studies using SPARK Research Match to recruit participants from genetic ancestries undersampled in clinical research, enhancing demographic representation.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via SFARI Base; funding is for participant incentives only and not transferred to institutions.
Description
This funding opportunity supports studies leveraging the SPARK Research Match platform to increase research participation among individuals whose genetic ancestries are underrepresented in autism clinical research. The aim is to ensure that autism research more accurately reflects the diverse demographics of the United States. Approved investigators collaborate with the SPARK Research Match team to design and implement online surveys or remote projects, recruit eligible participants, and manage research workflows. Data collected must be shared back with SFARI to enhance the SPARK database for future studies, and accessible summaries of completed research are developed for the SPARK community.
