Scholars Committee

Overview of the AIR-P Scholars Committee

Lead:
Julianna Rava

The Scholars Committee is the administrative backbone of the AIR-P Scholars program, a pilot grant funding initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of researchers. This program is committed to improving the physical health outcomes of Autistic individuals throughout their lives. The committee's primary role includes providing essential pilot and feasibility funding, which supports preliminary research to address gaps in current knowledge about autism. This funding also acts as a seedbed for generating pilot data crucial for securing future large-scale grants, like the NIH R01. In addition to financial support, the Scholars Committee places a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development, offering invaluable guidance to nurture the skills of early-stage investigators, including doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and recent graduates. These efforts are augmented by the committee's commitment to fostering collaboration, thereby creating a robust network of interconnected researchers. By administering funds ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for each one-year award, the Scholars Committee is not just investing in individual research projects; it is investing in the long-term infrastructure of autism research, championing a collaborative, well-mentored, and strategically guided research community that stands to benefit Autistic individuals and society at large.

AIR-P Scholars ANSWER Reps:

The AIR-P Scholars Committee is seeking candidates for ANSWER representatives! Visit the ANSWER representatives page to learn more about the responsibilities of the role.