Application Procedure

To qualify, the student must be enrolled in a graduate level university program (Master’s or PhD) in the Edmonton area and be attending a graduate studies program as a full‐time student in the Fall of 2026.  Students who are about to begin their 1st year of a graduate studies program must include a copy of their letter of acceptance into a relevant graduate program for the fall semester. 

To be considered for the review process, the student must submit ALL of the following documents via email in ONE PDF file by Monday, September 14, 2026 to Carol Wilson, Research Manager, Autism Research Centre at carol.wilson@albertahealthservices.ca 

Please submit in the following order in ONE PDF: 

1. Cover page with all of the following information: 

o Name of Applicant 

o Mailing address 

o Email address 

o Telephone number (daytime) 

o Department and Institution where the applicant is a registered student 

o Degree program (MA, MSc, PhD) 

o Name of research supervisor and his/her professional contact information 

2. Complete CV of applicant 

3. Complete University or College transcripts including undergraduate transcripts 

o Official transcripts not required; a photocopy is acceptable

4. Description of the proposed research (4 pages maximum, single-spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins). The application is to include the following sections: 

o Background and Rationale

o Research questions (or objectives)

o Hypotheses (if applicable), Design/Methodology and Analytic approach

o Feasibility of undertaking the proposed research with supervisor support 

o Knowledge translation and exchange plans

o Relevance and anticipated impacts: discuss how the proposed research will help improve the lives of autistic people and their families

SAMPLE PROPOSAL AND LAY ABSTRACT (described below)  HERE

5. Lay abstract (1/2 page in a publishable format) that will outline the title, objectives, prior research approval, and expected outcomes of the research. Ensure your lay abstract is written in plain English

6. One page description of the applicant’s previous research and/or work experience and graduate studies and expected career goals. Discuss how previous work is relevant to ASD and the current application, and how the pilot grant experience will help the applicant achieve the goals of their graduate studies and future career plans

7. Letter of support from the supervising researcher that describes the strengths including research potential of the applicant, the training and mentorship plan, the relevance of the proposed research to the overall goals of the student’s research training and career development and indicating any supplementary funds to be provided to support the proposed research

8. Two-page CV from the supervising researcher (including confirmation that the supervising researcher is able to hold research funds (if the applicant is successful)

9. Letter of support from another faculty member familiar with the candidate’s academic and/or research performance

10. Detailed budget and budget justification

o Please utilize the template provided. Note the following limit - A maximum of $500 can be used to support attendance at a scientific conference to present the results of the study findings (may include airfare, meals, accommodations and conference registration fees). 

o Budget template available here

Download an editable checklist here

Note: Please let us know if you or your student are planning to apply and so we can watch for your application. As well, let us know if you have any questions about the application process. 

Application Review Criteria: 

The application will be scored using the following parameters: 

• Academic Record 

• Letters of Reference 

• Supervisor/Research Environment 

• Scientific Strengths of the Research Project 

• Overall Feasibility of the Research Project 

• Overall Relevance of the Project to Autism Edmonton 

Each successful grant recipient will provide: 

1. By June 1, 2027 -  A mid-term report (template will be provided) which includes a brief financial summary

2. By September 1, 2027 - Submission of a one-page article (750-1000 words maximum and written in an engaging, reader-friendly style) that will be published on Autism Edmonton blog https://www.autismedmonton.org/about-autism/ 

3. By October 1, 2027 - A presentation to Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Autism Research Rounds at the conclusion of the project, and

4. By December 31, 2027 - Submission of a two-page final report (including financial summary)

For additional information, please visit the AE website at https://www.autismedmonton.org or email: carol.wilson@albertahealthsevices.ca