NIH Brain Development Cohorts (NBDC) Biospecimen Access (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through several of its participating organizations including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), and National Cancer Institute (NCI), has issued a funding opportunity titled NIH Brain Development Cohorts (NBDC) Biospecimen Access (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This opportunity allows researchers to apply for access to biospecimens collected through the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. The ABCD Study is the largest longitudinal study of brain development and child health in the United States, tracking over 11,000 children from the age of 9-10 years over a decade, with extensive data collection including neuroimaging, behavioral assessments, and biospecimens. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to maximize the scientific potential of the ABCD Study biospecimens by granting access to the broader scientific community. These biospecimens include oral fluids, urine, hair, deciduous teeth, and blood, and are intended to support research that advances understanding of adolescent health. The opportunity supports research projects that align with the ABCD Study’s objectives or that contribute to the broader knowledge of adolescent health. It is important to note that this is a resource access award, and no funding is provided through this opportunity; applicants must demonstrate proof of sufficient funding for their proposed studies. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, local and state governments, federal agencies, tribal governments and organizations, and foreign institutions. Specifically, the opportunity is open to public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, various levels of government, tribal organizations, and foreign entities. Applicants must also complete several registrations prior to submission, including SAM, NCAGE (for foreign entities), UEI, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Principal Investigators must hold an eRA Commons account and demonstrate familiarity with the ABCD Study. Applications must follow strict submission guidelines. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a Biospecimen Availability Inquiry via the NBDC portal at least four weeks before the submission deadline to confirm sample availability and consistency with participant consent. Required components of the application include a Resource Availability and Impact Report, proof of funding, and detailed descriptions of proposed assays and statistical analyses. The application must also address considerations related to race and ethnicity, potential harms to marginalized communities, and quality control measures. Applications are reviewed by a federal review panel for scientific merit, focusing on significance, innovation, investigator qualifications, and appropriateness of the proposed approach. The review process emphasizes the need for and potential impact of the proposed research on adolescent health. Applications must also meet stringent criteria regarding the protection of human subjects, inclusion of diverse populations, and ethical use of biospecimens. The opportunity is currently active and accepting applications. Key dates include multiple application deadlines through May 2026, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. The earliest submission date was September 5, 2023, and the expiration date is May 6, 2026. There are no specific pre-application deadlines, but applicants must engage early with the NBDC portal to ensure compliance and feasibility. For additional information or inquiries, potential applicants are encouraged to contact listed scientific and research officials from the participating NIH Institutes.