SPECTRA: Systems for Phenotypic Evaluation, Clinical Trajectories, Response, and Agency
SPECTRA, funded by ARPA-H, supports innovative science to revolutionize autism assessment and care through multi-factor data integration and advanced computational tools.
Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
Due Dates: October 18, 2026 (Solution Summary, TA 4) | December 2, 2026 (Solution Summary, TA 1 & TA 2) | January 18, 2027 (Solution Summary, TA 3)
Funding Amounts: Program total typically $50M–$150M, distributed among selected teams; actual award size and duration negotiated per project.
Summary: Supports bold, cross-disciplinary projects to revolutionize autism assessment and individualized care through multi-factor measurement and computational tools.
Key Information: Submission of a Solution Summary is required before a full proposal; milestones drive funding.
Description
The SPECTRA initiative, led by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is a transformative program aimed at advancing autism research and care. The program seeks to move beyond traditional behavioral observation by integrating objective, multi-factor data (genetic, environmental, metabolic, immune, microbiome, and developmental) and computational analysis. SPECTRA will support the development of innovative tools and platforms for individualized assessment, precision intervention, and continuous, real-world measurement—ultimately improving quality of life, independence, and health outcomes for autistic individuals across the lifespan. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of accessible, scalable solutions.
