Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (CEBRA) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (CEBRA) program, issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a specialized funding initiative aimed at fostering groundbreaking research in the field of substance use disorders (SUDs). This opportunity, issued under activity code R21 and reissued as PAR-25-101, supports innovative and conceptually bold research that is underrepresented in NIDA’s current portfolio. It is not intended to supplement existing projects or fund incremental advances but rather to catalyze transformative work that could redefine the landscape of addiction science. CEBRA targets high-risk, high-reward research that explores new methodologies, conceptual frameworks, or technologies that have the potential to significantly advance the understanding, prevention, or treatment of SUDs. The program encourages the development and application of novel hypotheses or research methods, even in the absence of substantial preliminary data, as long as there is a strong rationale. This funding opportunity welcomes applications from investigators with existing SUD-related expertise and from those in other disciplines whose novel ideas could meaningfully intersect with addiction science. The scope of research eligible for support includes but is not limited to neurobiological, pharmacological, behavioral, genetic, and computational studies. Innovations may range from the development of new animal models, statistical or mathematical tools, and molecular or cellular techniques, to the application of advanced imaging, epigenetics, or optogenetics approaches. Importantly, the CEBRA initiative explicitly excludes studies focusing solely on alcohol misuse or use, as alcohol-only studies are considered nonresponsive to this NOFO and will not be reviewed. Applicants may request a maximum of $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year project period, with no more than $150,000 in any single year. Clinical trials are optional under this NOFO. The number of awards to be issued will depend on both the quality of submissions and available appropriations. Matching funds are not required, and the initiative supports new applications and resubmissions only. The program is open to a broad array of eligible institutions, including higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits, for-profits including small businesses, local and state governments, tribal entities, and certain foreign organizations and components. The application process mandates full adherence to NIH’s application and submission guidelines. Submissions must be completed electronically via one of three platforms: the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system portals. While a letter of intent is not required, it is encouraged to help NIDA plan for review. Applications must include detailed research strategy components explaining the innovation and transformative potential of the proposed work, a data management and sharing plan, and other elements as outlined in the NIH’s Application Guide. Applications are accepted on a recurring cycle, with upcoming due dates on March 10 and August 12 annually through August 2027. Each submission is reviewed for scientific merit, with peer reviews scheduled shortly after each due date, followed by advisory council review and award decisions in subsequent months. The earliest project start date is typically nine months after the submission deadline. Contact points for scientific inquiries, peer review, and grants management are clearly identified, including Dr. Tristan McClure-Begley at NIDA for research questions. The official PDF and further submission materials are available through NIH portals or by contacting the appropriate agency representatives.

Focus on innovation and potential to transform current understanding of SUDs. Ensure scientific rigor, feasibility, and appropriate controls. Address diversity and inclusion in study design.