Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced a funding opportunity, "Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This opportunity aims to support innovative analyses of existing datasets to advance knowledge on substance use behaviors, related disorders, HIV prevention, and health services utilization. Research must focus on using social, behavioral, neuroimaging, and administrative data without collecting new primary data. Applications should propose analyses that yield actionable insights into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, particularly for substance use disorder (SUD) and HIV/AIDS. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, government agencies, small businesses, tribal organizations, and foreign entities. All applicants must comply with NIH data-sharing policies, and proposals must utilize existing data distinct from previously funded research. Notable datasets for this opportunity include the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH), and the National Addiction & HIV Data Archive Program (NAHDAP). NIDA encourages the use of innovative methods such as big data analytics, computational modeling, and machine learning to analyze data and derive findings with translational or policy relevance. Research addressing health disparities, gender differences, and service delivery for underserved populations is strongly encouraged. Proposals may also investigate the role of structural policies in influencing substance use behaviors and treatment outcomes. Funding under this mechanism is intended for exploratory research over a two-year period. Total direct costs are capped at $275,000, with no more than $200,000 allowable in a single year. NIDA anticipates funding 2–4 projects with a general focus and an additional 2–4 projects specific to HIV research, allocating $2 million to each category. Key deadlines for submissions include a letter of intent 30 days before the application due date, with the earliest application date set for June 17, 2025. The first application deadline is July 17, 2025, with subsequent deadlines continuing biannually through December 3, 2027. All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and NIH ASSIST, following the instructions outlined in the NIH Application Guide. Review criteria will include significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator expertise. Additional factors such as protections for human subjects and budget reasonableness will also be considered. Award decisions will depend on scientific merit, availability of funds, and alignment with NIDA priorities. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIDA program officials for guidance on their submissions.