Limited Competition for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development -Extended (ABCD-E) Study-Research Project Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), is preparing to launch a funding opportunity through a limited competition for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development -Extended (ABCD-E) Study. This initiative reflects NIDA’s commitment to long-term, large-scale research into adolescent health and brain development. The ABCD Study, initiated several years ago, is recognized as the largest longitudinal study of its kind in the United States, tracking a cohort of nearly 12,000 participants from childhood into early adulthood. This upcoming extension will continue following these participants through their early adult years to better understand the evolution and impact of various behaviors, exposures, and life experiences on long-term health and cognitive outcomes. The extension of the ABCD Study under this forecasted opportunity is designed to explore the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood, when key health outcomes—including substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and chronic diseases—often begin to manifest. Using advanced tools like neuroimaging and wearable technology, researchers aim to gain new insights into how lifestyle factors such as physical activity, technology use (e.g., social media and gaming), and broader social and behavioral trends interact with biological development. This research aligns with NIH’s broader health priorities and continues the original study’s mission of fostering evidence-based policies and interventions that support youth development. The funding opportunity, issued under Opportunity Number RFA-DA-27-002, will be released as a cooperative agreement (U01), meaning the NIH will maintain substantial involvement in the funded projects. The competition is limited to organizations previously funded under RFA-DA-20-002, emphasizing continuity and leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise from the original ABCD study network. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations—public and private institutions of higher education, tribal governments, nonprofits, and others as detailed in the eligibility section—although only those previously funded will be invited to apply. The solicitation does not currently request applications, as it remains a forecasted opportunity. However, the projected timeline provides clarity for planning. The estimated post date for the notice of funding opportunity is April 17, 2026, with applications due by June 10, 2026. The projected award date is April 1, 2027, with funded projects expected to begin on the same date. This provides a clear year-long window between application submission and award notification, likely reflecting the complex review and coordination process typical of NIH cooperative agreements. Applications will undergo NIH’s standard peer-review process, and only meritorious submissions will be considered for funding. Although the notice does not outline specific evaluation criteria or application components at this stage, applicants can expect rigorous review based on scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and potential for long-term impact. Contact for programmatic inquiries is provided through a centralized email: [email protected], handled by ABCD Program Staff. This opportunity is anticipated to recur annually or on a similar cycle, as it continues a major national study. With a forecast date of May 28, 2025, and a well-established timeline, interested organizations should prepare in advance for the 2026 cycle. Given the complex data collection, multi-site collaboration, and strategic priorities involved, potential applicants are advised to closely monitor updates on Grants.gov and the NIH website for the official release and further instructions.