Notice of the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) Research Program

Notice Number: NOT-OD-05-048

Key Dates
Release Date: May 17, 2005

Issued by
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www..nih.gov)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) currently supports a vast array of projects in autism research. Some of these investigations are supported via networks of centers, such as the STAART and CPEA programs. In order to maximize coordination and cohesion of NIH-sponsored efforts, avoid duplication, allow pooling and most efficient use of resources, and to involve a larger number of investigators, the NIH is making plans to unify the STAART and CPEA programs into a new centers program.

The purpose of this Notice is to announce the NIH's intention to issue an RFA early in 2006 to solicit proposals for Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE), with a deadline for applications likely in summer, 2006. This Notice encourages investigators of current CPEA and STAART centers, as well as others who believe that they have sufficient expertise and resources to coordinate and implement a center or multi-site research program, to begin consideration of applying for this initiative. Specific details related to the RFA are not available at this time. However, the RFA will stipulate that:

  1. An individual may serve as Center director on only one application
  2. The focus of the centers must be on the causes and best treatments of autism (as listed in the Autism Research Matrix: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/autismiacc/CongApprCommRep.pdf)
  3. Two types of ACEs will be solicited:

    a. center applications: to involve a multidisciplinary set of investigators and research projects on an integrated theme; the center will be encouraged to include at least one collaborative multi-site project
    b. research networks: to perform one or more planned cross-site, collaborative studies (for example, clinical trials)

In accord with NIH policy, no further information will be available regarding this initiative until the RFA is published.


Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices


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