2022 INSAR Virtual* Research Internship in Autism and Cultural Diversity 

Applications Closed

Notification of Awards: March 2022 

*Due to the current COVID-19 public health recommendations, all internships in this cycle will be conducted virtually.

**This program was previously named the INSAR Summer Research Internship in Autism and Cultural Diversity

» 2021 Informational Sessions

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Introduction

In recognition of the increased need for the field of autism to incorporate global perspectives and issues of cultural diversity in scientific research, the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Cultural Diversity Committee invites research proposals from highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students interested in cultural diversity issues relevant to autism.

The proposed research must be human subject-based and should specifically address topics related to cultural diversity in autism research, including, but not limited to, diagnosis in under-represented populations, identification of autism in immigrants, and research in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Research should have a cultural diversity focus as defined and reflected with the mission of the Cultural Diversity Committee.

Awards

The INSAR Cultural Diversity Committee will provide a total of three (3) awards to undergraduate and/or graduate students from domestic (US) and/or international institutions. Students from a historically under-represented group or LMIC (See more here) who are currently enrolled at an accredited institution will receive priority. Research must be conducted through an accredited university or a research institution under the supervision of a highly qualified mentor with a full-time faculty position and documented autism research experience. The internship should last a minimum of 3 months, up to 6 months. The earliest start date is June 2022, and the internship must be completed by May 2023.  

Awards up to $5,000 (USD) or equivalent will be provided as a stipend to the student. Funds provided must not be used to cover tuition payments. Economy travel and accommodations will also be reimbursed for the intern to attend the INSAR 2023 Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

Applicant: Applicants must be current INSAR members and currently enrolled undergraduate/graduate students in good standing with an accredited institution. The applicant must be a current INSAR Student member.

Mentor: The proposed mentor must be employed in a full-time faculty position at an academic or research institution. The mentor must also have documented cultural diversity and autism research experience (basic or applied) as evident by peer-reviewed publications and previous acquisition of funding to conduct autism research. The mentor must also be a current INSAR Full member and have previous experience mentoring graduate-level trainees/students.

Application Preparation

The applicant must identify their prospective mentor who meets the stated criteria and coordinate with the selected mentor accordingly to prepare the application. All documents should be submitted as a single PDF bundled together using the online submission form.  Any questions should be submitted to the culturaldiversitycommittee@autism-insar.org.

Applications are due by January 7, 2022 and will not be accepted after the due date.  Applications must include the following materials.

Applicant Materials:

1. Cover Page (2 pages max): This should include the name, email address of the applicant, name and contact information for the proposed mentor, project title, a brief description of the proposed research project and timeline, including expected outcomes of the research project, and how participation in the program will enhance the mentee’s learning experience. Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and/or LMIC should provide a short description of their background.
   
   
2. Statement of Proposed Research (1500 words max, Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spaced): This should include:
   
   a) A description of the proposed research to be conducted during the funding period 
   b) A proposed research timeline. This should be a detailed timeline outlining general dates of main research tasks. 
          - Must include the start and end dates of proposed project.
   c) Relevant background and research questions
   d) Research methods and specific tasks to be completed during the internship
   e) Potential impact the research will have on the autism community
   f) The applicant should also explain how they will extend their learning experience beyond the duration of the internship (e.g., presentations, publications, training others, etc.).
   
   
3. Applicant’s Biosketch - See Template
   
   
4. Letter of Recommendation from a previous advisor, mentor, instructor, or supervisor
   
   

Mentor Materials

1. Mentor’s Biosketch - NIH Biosketch or CV (up to 5 pages)
   
   
2. One representative manuscript showing the mentor’s previous autism research focusing on cultural diversity
   
   
3. Letter of Support from the Selected Mentor: This letter should include information on the mentor’s autism research related to cultural diversity, previous experience mentoring graduate-level students, and a statement of the mentor’s commitment to provide research mentorship in the selected autism research area.
   
   
4. Proposed Budget and Justification. The mentor should outline a proposed budget (up to $500) to support the intern’s proposed research project. The budget justification should outline how these funds will be used and how these expenses are unique to the intern’s research project.
   
   

Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

There will be an external review committee comprised of INSAR members who have research expertise in the field of cultural diversity. Final decisions will be made by the external review committee and the INSAR Cultural Diversity Committee leadership. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of the proposed project to cultural diversity in autism research
• The mentee’s interest in autism research and academic achievement
• The mentor’s research qualifications and capacity to mentor
• The impact of the research on the autism community 

Internal review board (IRB) approval is not required to submit the application; however, where applicable, evidence of IRB approval must be provided prior to the start of the funding period.

Award notification will be made in March 2022 and must be used between June 2022 and May 2023. Finalization and preparation of results may be completed after the funding period at no cost to INSAR. Project results must be submitted for presentation at the INSAR Cultural Diversity Pre-Conference Workshop or INSAR 2023 regular session.  

Award recipients will be required to submit a progress report during the internship and a final report upon completion of the study outlining the progress of the proposed research study. Award recipients are also required to participate in Cultural Diversity Committee activities at the INSAR Annual Meeting, including a group photo and social media promotion. Award recipients will be asked to share what they learned during their internship experience with the INSAR community and may include writing a blog post, writing up research for peer-reviewed publication, and sharing photos of the experience.