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Professor Margot Prior (1937-2020) published the very first Australian journal article focused on autism (in 1973), and was deeply involved in the creation of the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR). In recognition of her substantial contributions to the field of autism research, she was awarded a lifetime membership to ASfAR upon its creation, with a dedicated Margot Prior Oral Presentation Prize for students awarded at each biennial Conference.

Following Professor Prior’s passing in 2020, the ASfAR Executive Committee decided to establish two competitive awards for Early Career Researchers (ECR), with one dedicated each year to an autistic researcher. The Margot Prior ECR Awards (each valued at $2,500) will be granted annually, with funds able to be used toward directly funding research activity or equipment including laboratory visits, conference travel, or any related activity to further the individual’s research endeavours.

Applications are sought from members who are within 5 years of the PhD being awarded (career interruptions will be considered), are full ASfAR members, and who have standing in a university or research institute capable of accepting and administering the award (award will be made to and administered by the applicant’s institution). The awardees must submit a report to the ASfAR Executive one-year post-award.

Applications are due by Friday, 24th April 2026 at 5 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time, and will be reviewed and ranked by members of the ASfAR Executive Committee.

Application Form

Application forms, together with criteria and instructions, can be downloaded from https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1WQR1shrd7oixo3Dh0_VeGB-4oSpsalqW

Please email the completed application form, along with a brief (two page) CV as a separate file to secretary@asfar.org.au by 5tm AEST Friday 24^th April 2026.

Any questions about the Margot Prior Awards can be directed to Laurie McLay: laurie.mclay@canterbury.ac.nz