Earlier this year we announced here that this summer we would be issuing a request for applications (RFA) for the Genomics of ASD grants. However, as we have occasionally done in the past, this summer the SFARI science team will regroup to evaluate our entire grant portfolio to identify gaps where SFARI funding is likely to create the most impact. To allow sufficient time for these activities we have decided to postpone the 2023 Genomics of ASD RFA.

We are confident that through our past RFAs, including the 2021 and 2022 Genomics of ASD RFAs, we have identified and funded potentially high-impact projects with the potential to further our understanding of autism and we remain committed to the goal of identifying “genetics informed” therapeutic approaches. At the same time, in a fast-evolving research landscape, we feel that it is necessary to take a pause, reflect on our progress, and identify strategic areas where our funding approach can make the most difference going forward in serving our mission: to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.