Alcohol and Other Substance Use Research Education Programs for Health Professionals (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This NIH Research Education Program (R25) opportunity, led by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), funds creative educational outreach activities for practicing health care professionals. The goal is to foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research on alcohol and other substance use disorders (AUD/SUD), and to translate this knowledge into improved care for individuals affected by these conditions.

Projects should focus on disseminating current and emerging research findings—such as neurobiology, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders—to health professionals in direct patient care roles. The program encourages innovative approaches that go beyond traditional classroom training, such as short courses, computer-based tools, or other novel strategies for engaging clinicians in diverse practice settings.

Applications addressing health disparities or medically underserved populations are encouraged. Programs must include a dissemination plan, an evaluation plan, and a sustainability plan.

Note: Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

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Due Dates

• May 25, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• January 25, 2026
• May 25, 2026

Letters of intent are requested 30 days before the application due date.

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• Maximum direct costs: $250,000 per year
• Project period: Up to 4 years
• Indirect costs: Limited to 8% of modified total direct costs (MTDC), excluding tuition, equipment, and consortium costs over $25,000
• Number of awards: Dependent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications

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Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• Public and private institutions of higher education (U.S. only)
• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), excluding foreign organizations
• For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
• State, county, city, township, and special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other)
• Faith-based and community-based organizations
• Regional organizations
• U.S. territories and possessions
• Eligible agencies of the federal government

Ineligible:

• Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations)
• Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations
• Foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement

Participants:
Research education programs should primarily serve U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
• Required registrations: SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov (allow at least 6 weeks for completion)
• Letter of Intent: Strongly encouraged, due 30 days before the application deadline. Email to niaaaoea@mail.nih.gov.
• Application format: Follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the specific funding announcement instructions.
• Key components: Research Education Program Plan (including dissemination, evaluation, and sustainability plans), Letters of Support, and a plan for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research.

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Additional Information

• Clinical trials: Not allowed under this FOA.
• Distinct from training grants: Proposed educational activities must be distinct from those supported by other federal training programs (e.g., T32).
• Evaluation: Programs must include robust evaluation and dissemination plans.
• Budget: Justify all costs; participant compensation is allowed if justified. Full-time participant support (40 hours/week for 12 months) is not allowed.
• Data sharing: A Data Management and Sharing Plan is not required for this FOA.
• Review criteria: Significance, investigator(s), innovation, approach, and environment, plus additional review for human subjects, inclusion, and responsible conduct of research.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-23-240)
• NIH Application Guide (SF424 R&R)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• NIAAA
• NIDA

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Contact Information

For full contact details and additional agency contacts, see Section VII of the FOA.

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