Autism Science Foundation Releases Request for Applications for 2026 Undergraduate Summer Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
New York, NY — January 27, 2026 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, has released its 2026 Request for Applications for Undergraduate Summer Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support undergraduate students pursuing basic or clinical autism research during the summer of 2026.
The program provides undergraduates with hands-on research experience under the supervision of established autism researchers and aims to strengthen the pipeline of future autism scientists. Applications are due March 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST, with award notifications expected in late March.
“Early research opportunities can be transformative for young scientists,” said Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation. “By supporting undergraduate students at this critical stage, ASF is helping to cultivate the next generation of researchers who will advance meaningful, evidence-based understanding of autism.”
ASF will consider proposals across a broad range of autism-related research areas, including human behavior across the lifespan, neurobiology, genetics, genomics, genetic medicine, epigenetics, immunology, pharmacology, model systems (including organoids and assembloids), and studies of treatment, service delivery, policy, and employment. Research may be conducted in laboratory, clinical, or community-based settings.
Priority will be given to students from traditionally underrepresented groups and under-resourced communities, as well as to projects focused on narrowing gaps in autism diagnosis and services across racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups. Priority will also be given to students studying profound autism, an area that remains significantly under-researched.
“Autism research must reflect the full diversity of the autism community,” said Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer of ASF. “This program encourages rigorous, mentored research that addresses long-standing gaps in knowledge while giving students valuable experience in autism science.”
For more information and to apply, visit: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/apply-for-an-undergraduate-summer-research-grant.
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
Autism Science Foundation
cvolpe@autismsciencefoundation.org