Early-career investigators and established researchers moving into autism research may receive up to $750,000 through the FY2026 Autism Research Program Career Development Award.

The programme expects to make approximately two awards from a total funding pool of around $1.5 million.

Projects may run for up to three years.

There is, however, an important application-status restriction.

The required preproposal deadline was July 27, 2026.

The current full application deadline of October 22, 2026 applies only to applicants who completed the preproposal process and were invited to submit a full application.

Who Is the Award Designed For?

The Career Development Award supports:

• Early-career independent investigators;
• Established researchers transitioning from another field into autism research.

The programme seeks investigators capable of developing an independent programme of innovative, high-impact autism research.

What Research Can Be Supported?

Projects can include:

• Laboratory research;
• Translational studies;
• Clinical research;
• Early-phase proof-of-principle clinical trials.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to align with one of the FY26 Autism Research Program Areas of Interest or explain why their project addresses another critical autism research need.

Community Collaboration

Projects containing pilot clinical trials must include meaningful community collaboration.

The application is expected to identify at least one community partner, such as:

• An Autistic person;
• Caregiver;
• Representative of a community organisation.

That partner should provide input throughout project planning and implementation.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Maximum total cost per award: $750,000

Maximum project duration: 3 years

Expected awards: approximately 2

Estimated total programme funding: $1.5 million

No cost sharing is required under the current notice.

Official Application Link

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526ARPCDA

The current application process uses eBRAP for the pre-application stage and Grants.gov for the full application package.

View the official Grants.gov opportunity

Access the FY26 Autism Research Program in eBRAP

Current Status

Preproposal: Closed July 27, 2026.

Invitation date: August 28, 2026.

Full application: October 22, 2026.

New applicants: Cannot enter the FY26 competition at this stage.

Researchers who missed the preproposal should monitor the next Autism Research Program cycle.