The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training (CanNRT) Platform and the Autism Alliance of Canada are proud to announce that CanNRT will host two fellowships as part of the broader Data2Policy (D2P) Fellowship initiative, which is funded through the National Centre for Autism Collaboration (NCAC) and multiple partners across Canada. This joint initiative empowers early-career researchers to address autism-related health services and policy challenges, contributing to Canada’s National Autism Strategy.
Bridging research and policy for community impact
The D2P Fellowship fosters collaboration between academic researchers and community organizations, supporting projects that reflect the needs of autistic individuals and their families.
CanNRT and the Autism Alliance of Canada will co-fund up to two fellows annually, each receiving $20,000 to execute innovative, community-informed projects.
Mayada Elsabbagh, CanNRT Director, states: “By aligning with the National Autism Strategy’s goals, we encourage fellows to drive actionable improvements in public awareness, economic inclusion, and enhanced diagnostic services.”
Fellowship benefits
Fellows will:
- Strengthen autism research and policy through collaboration with community organizations.
- Gain access to resources and expertise from CanNRT and the Autism Alliance of Canada, including presenting findings at events like the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS) and participating in the annual CanNRT Summer School, workshops and research forums.
- Disseminate research to policymakers, advocates, and the public.
Jonathan Lai, Executive Director of the Autism Alliance of Canada, adds: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation in autism policy and practice – and ensures research and community collaborations drive meaningful change in people’s lives.”
Program overview
The D2P Fellowship is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in enhancing their policy engagement skills and contributing to knowledge mobilization efforts.
Applicants must collaborate with a faculty supervisor and a community organization to propose projects addressing one or more of the National Autism Strategy’s priority areas:
- Tools and resources
- Screening, diagnosis, and services
- Economic inclusion
- Data collection and research
- Public awareness and acceptance
The program emphasizes Open Science principles to ensure broad accessibility of research outcomes.
How to apply
CanNRT and the Autism Alliance of Canada look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders in autism research and policy.
The first call for applications is now open. Applications are due February 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Visit the Autism Alliance of Canada’s website for eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines.
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About the Data2Policy Fellowships
The Data2Policy (D2P) Fellowships are funded through the National Centre for Autism Collaboration (NCAC) with matched funding from Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Carleton University, The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform (CanNRT), Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, McMaster University, St. Amant Research Centre, Stollery Foundation and the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute.
The Data-to-Policy (D2P) Fellowships empower early-career researchers and policy professionals to bridge the gap between research and actionable policy. This unique program provides fellows with hands-on opportunities to conduct research in alignment with Canada’s Autism Strategy, supporting the development of benchmarks, metrics, and systems for equitable service delivery across Canada.
Through mentorship, collaborative work with Autistic people and those with lived and living experience, and access to cutting-edge research, fellows will gain the skills and experience to ultimately use research to inform autism policy.
