Circuit Dynamics Request for Applications

About this funding opportunity

Search SFARI Home Funding Application Deadline

June 21, 2013 Notification of Award

October 1, 2013 Funding Expected to Begin

November 1, 2013 SFARI Grant Programs

sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org Application Deadline

June 21, 2013 Notification of Award

October 1, 2013 Funding Expected to Begin

November 1, 2013 SFARI Grant Programs

sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org

This request for applications (RFA) was intended to advance our understanding of the circuit basis for behavioral and cognitive alterations relevant to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal was to determine the downstream consequences of autism-associated genetic perturbations on neural circuitry, with an emphasis on how collections of neurons operate in concert during autism-relevant behaviors.

To this end, we sought applications for investigations of neural circuits in awake, behaving rodent models of autism. It was anticipated that SFARI would work closely with awarded investigative teams on all major aspects of the project, including selection of rodent models, data coordination and dissemination.

Priority was given to projects focused on those behaviors for which the underlying circuits are reasonably well established. Exploratory analysis in other circuits was acceptable if the behavior is highly relevant to autism. Experiments included electrical or optical multi-neuronal recordings within microcircuits or macrocircuits. Studies centered on brain activity in awake, behaving animals. The use of anesthetized or reduced preparations was permissible, but only in support of the experiments in awake animals.

In order to find commonalities and distinctions between models, recordings needed to be carried out in two or more rodent models of autism, with a view to future inclusion of additional models. As with all complex projects, some technical optimization was expected; however, the majority of the project period was not to be devoted to development of technical capabilities. As such, we expected that competitive applications would be from labs proposing to apply their established technical capabilities to the study of autism rodent models. Application Deadline

June 21, 2013 Notification of Award

October 1, 2013 Funding Expected to Begin

November 1, 2013 SFARI Grant Programs

sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org Application Deadline

June 21, 2013 Notification of Award

October 1, 2013 Funding Expected to Begin

November 1, 2013 SFARI Grant Programs

sciencerfa@simonsfoundation.org Frequently Asked Questionsplus--large

How do I submit a full proposal?plus--large

New users first need to register on proposalCENTRAL. For all users, log in and select “Create New Proposal” or click on the “Grant Opportunities” tab. Filter the Grant Maker by “Simons Foundation” and click on “Apply Now” next to the “SFARI Circuit Dynamics RFA” program. Once all sections are complete and the attachments are uploaded, the “Submit” button will be activated.

Are references, figures and figure legends included in the narrative six (6)-page limit? How should they be included?plus--large

References, figures and figure legends are not included in the page limit for the full proposal. Please attach them at the end of the six (6)-page narrative in the same PDF file. The Simons Foundation’s preference is for figures to follow the narrative rather than be embedded in the text.

What are the font and size requirements?plus--large

11-point, legible font.

What can I include as an appendix?plus--large

‘In-press’ papers can be included as appendices, as well as any papers that you consider essential for the work of the review committee (not more than three [3]). Any other material should be included, if possible, in the narrative. If you have video attachments for your proposal, please upload as an appendix (all file types are accepted).

Does the Simons Foundation require letters of support or collaboration?plus--large

We do not require letters of support or letters of collaboration for…

Topic areas: General and Cross-cutting R&D, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Health, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Circuit Dynamics Request for Applications is administered by Simons Foundation (Simons), listed via Simons Foundation.