Autism Science Foundation Launches New “Save Our Scientists” Grant Program to Support Postdoctoral Autism Researchers
New York, NY — July 15, 2025 — In response to mounting challenges in federal research funding, the Autism Science Foundation (ASF) today announced the launch of its new Postdoctoral Save Our Scientists (SOS) Grant Program, designed to sustain and empower early career investigators focused on autism research. Applications for the 2025 cycle open today and are due by October 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
“Science is under siege,” said Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation, “but we are determined to fight back. We developed this new grant mechanism in close collaboration with postdoctoral researchers and their mentors to meet their unique and evolving needs. Our goal is to ensure that the best and brightest minds remain focused on finding solutions for families raising children with autism.”
The SOS Grants provide flexible funding to postdoctoral fellows conducting research aimed at improving the lives of individuals with autism. This support mechanism is designed to bridge the funding gap during a critical phase of researchers’ careers, enabling them to continue their work despite shifts in public funding priorities. Grant funds may be used for a variety of research-related expenses, including research costs, travel, training, participant support, data access, and supplies.
“We know that early career researchers are facing increasing uncertainty due to changes in federal research funding,” said Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer of the Autism Science Foundation. “Small, targeted investments like this can make the difference between someone staying in the field or walking away. These scientists are doing work that could truly transform lives.”
Research eligible for an SOS Grant must be scientifically linked to autism. ASF welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of fields. Studies focusing on profound autism or including individuals with profound autism will be given priority. Research exploring sex differences in autism, especially the 4:1 male-to-female diagnosis disparity, is also strongly encouraged. For full application details and eligibility criteria, visit here.
ASF funds a broad range of innovative autism research through grants and fellowships that support scientists at all stages of their careers. These include Undergraduate Summer Research Awards, Post-Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Predoctoral Fellowships, and Postdoctoral Fellowships. ASF also funds Profound Autism Pilot Grants to discover the causes of profound autism, develop new treatments, and support the inclusion of individuals with profound autism in existing research studies. Additionally, the Suzanne Wright Memorial Accelerator Awards are research supplements designed to speed the pace of active autism research projects. Learn more about our funding opportunities here: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/grants-awards-fellowships.
About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Its mission is to fund breakthrough research that will improve the lives of people with autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.
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ASF Media Contact:
C.J. Volpe