Autism Speaks is pleased to open its request for applications (RFAs) for its 2015 Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowships and Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowships in Translational Research. Both programs support the career development of promising scientists as they pursue vital investigations into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of autism under the mentorship of leading investigators in the field.
“Since 2009, our organization has funded more fellowships in autism research than the National Institutes of Health,” says Ed Clayton, Autism Speaks senior director for strategic funding and grants administration. “We do so because we believe these young scientists will transform the future for those with autism spectrum disorder.”
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Rob Ring adds: “Research talent and innovative minds are the engines of discovery and delivery for any field of medicine or technology, and fellowship programs are vital to identify and support emerging talent. Our programs are highly regarded in the field and have become among the most competitive RFAs we manage as an organization.”
Dennis Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowships
Autism Speaks established the Weatherstone fellowships in 2008 with a generous gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The program is named in honor of the foundation’s first chairman, Dennis Weatherstone. A distinguished financier, Lord Weatherstone and his wife shared a deep, personal commitment to supporting autism research. Lady Weatherstone continues to actively support the career development of Autism Speaks Weatherstone fellows. To facilitate research collaboration, the Weatherstone program includes group interaction and an annual meeting with the Weatherstone family and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Letters of Intent for the Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowships are due by Oct. 1, 2014, 8 pm ET
Access the Full Request for Applications (RFA), with detailed instructions, here.
Learn more about past and ongoing Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowship projects here.
Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowships in Translational Research
The estate of Charles Meixner generously funds an annual class of postdoctoral fellows in translational research, continuing a successful program begun in 2011. (More about this major gift here.)
The program aims to accelerate the translation of basic scientific discoveries into new and effective methods and products for diagnosing, preventing or treating autism – while drawing highly qualified young scientists to the field. During their two-year fellowship, successful applicants pursue projects that bridge basic laboratory research and clinical, or “patient-centered,” studies. Their training includes mentoring in both basic and clinical research.
Letters of Intent for the Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowship are due by Nov. 12, 2014, 8 pm ET.
Access the Full Request for Applications (RFA), with detailed instructions, here.
Learn more about past and ongoing Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowship projects here.
Learn more about all of Autism Speaks research funding opportunities on the Open Grants page.