NIH Brain Development Cohorts (NBDC) andPopulation Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) StudyBiospecimen Access

The National Institutes of Health, through the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled NIH Brain Development Cohorts (NBDC) and Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Biospecimen Access. This program is designed to make biospecimens available from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, and the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. The aim is to expand the scientific utility of these limited resources by allowing researchers to propose studies that build upon the original objectives and enhance understanding of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to health outcomes over the lifespan. The ABCD and HBCD studies are large-scale, longitudinal projects that examine the developing brain and factors influencing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health in children and adolescents. The PATH Study, on the other hand, is a nationally representative longitudinal study that assesses the use of tobacco products and its related health consequences. By providing access to biospecimens from these initiatives, NIH intends to maximize the return on investment in these research programs and ensure that valuable biological samples contribute to further discoveries in neuroscience, addiction, and public health. The scope of the funding opportunity is broad in terms of eligible research. Investigators are expected to propose projects that align with the overarching goals of the contributing studies, particularly research that deepens understanding of substance use and its effects on human health across the lifespan. Proposals should be consistent with the scientific mission of NIDA and are expected to leverage biospecimen resources in ways that extend the findings of the parent studies. Spending under this program will be limited to the research activities associated with biospecimen use; no mention of additional allowable or restricted costs has been provided at this stage. The eligibility criteria for this opportunity are extensive, allowing participation from city, county, and state governments, public housing authorities, special district governments, school districts, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and certain federally recognized and non-recognized tribal entities. Faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, federal agencies, U.S. territories, and foreign institutions are also eligible to apply. This broad eligibility is consistent with NIH’s mission to encourage diverse participation in scientific research. The submission process is currently in the forecast stage, with an estimated posting date of May 1, 2026. The estimated application due date is September 8, 2026. Award notifications are expected on January 4, 2027, with funded projects anticipated to begin on the same date. As this is a forecast, specific application instructions, forms, and evaluation criteria are not yet available. However, applicants should anticipate the standard NIH submission requirements through Grants.gov and should monitor updates for finalized guidelines. Cost sharing or matching requirements are not applicable to this program. Applicants with questions or in need of clarification are directed to contact Heather L. Kimmel at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She can be reached by phone at 301-443-6504 or via email at heather.kimmel@nih.gov. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance for the application process by familiarizing themselves with NIH grant submission procedures and the scientific scope of the parent studies.