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SFARI announces the recipients of the Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award, a new honor that recognizes outstanding partners and collaborators for their dedication to advancing brain tissue research in autism.
The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award, given to honor outstanding partners and collaborators in recognition of their dedication to advancing brain tissue research into the causes and treatments of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Autism BrainNet relies on a strong partnership with medical examiners, pathologists, researchers and families to bring the use of postmortem brain tissue to the forefront of autism research. Starting this year, the Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award will be given annually to outstanding candidates including medical examiners, tissue banks, organ procurement organizations, funeral homes, and other individuals and organizations that partner with Autism BrainNet.
To date, the Autism BrainNet collection consists of 229 brain donations, including 71 with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD, 38 with a diagnosis that has not yet been confirmed, 17 brains from individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders and without a diagnosis of autism, 89 brains from individuals with no known psychiatric or neurological conditions, and 4 brains from individuals with epilepsy without ASD diagnosis. More information about specimens available for research studies can be found in the Autism BrainNet tissue catalogue.
Researchers interested in using human postmortem brain tissue in their studies can send their requests here.
“We are delighted to introduce the Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award,” says David G. Amaral, Autism BrainNet scientific director. “We want to express special gratitude to the 2021 recipients for their work in establishing Autism BrainNet and facilitating tissue donations. We also thank all our collaborators who have supported the program and its mission throughout the years with enthusiasm and dedication.”
The 2021 Autism BrainNet Appreciation Award recipients are:
Sally S. Aiken, M.D.
Chief Medical Examiner, Spokane Co Medical Examiner’s Office
Elizabeth A. Bundock, M.D., PhD
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Vermont Department of Health
Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D.
Distinguished Scientist and Fellow, Simons Foundation
Alycia Halladay, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer, Autism Science Foundation
Alison Singer, M.B.A.
Co-Founder and President, Autism Science Foundation
