The Limited Competition for the Continuation of the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) Data Analysis Resource is a forecasted funding opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is spearheaded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which has been at the forefront of alcohol research and public health efforts to understand and mitigate alcohol-related harm.
NCANDA was initiated in 2012 with the objective of studying how adolescent alcohol use impacts brain development and subsequent adult brain functioning and psychiatric health. The study uses an accelerated longitudinal design, tracking over 800 individuals aged between 12 and 32 years. This broad age range allows for the observation of behaviors before the onset of drinking, during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, and through the critical periods of binge drinking and brain maturation. The comprehensive dataset provides invaluable insights that are unmatched by other adult drinking studies.
The purpose of this renewal is to continue longitudinal data collection up to the age of 37, extending the analysis of how early versus late adolescent drinking influences adult alcohol behavior. The anticipated data from this continuation will significantly enhance evidence-based prevention strategies and interventions aimed at curbing the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The overarching goal is to improve long-term health outcomes, reduce the incidence of chronic diseases associated with AUDs, and promote healthier, longer lives.
The grant opportunity is issued as a cooperative agreement under the U24 activity code, allowing for collaborative efforts between the NIH and grantee institutions. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds. A single award is expected to be made, with an estimated total program funding of $600,000. While the award floor and ceiling are not specified, the cooperative nature of the grant suggests a substantial involvement from the federal agency.
Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of entities such as state and county governments, public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, independent school districts, small and for-profit businesses, and federally recognized tribal governments, among others. Interested applicants are advised that this is a forecasted notice, allowing ample time for the formation of collaborative partnerships and project development prior to the official application phase.
The estimated timeline for the grant includes a post date of September 1, 2025, with applications due by August 1, 2026. The award is projected to be made by July 1, 2027, with the project also commencing on that date. For additional details, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dominique Lorang-Leins at lorangd@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-594-6228.
