Atom | Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder Dissertation Research Award (R36 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

Funder: National Institutes of Health

Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 direct costs per year for 1–2 years; 8% indirect costs; dissertation research only.

Summary: Supports U.S. doctoral candidates in substance use/disorder research to complete dissertation projects aligned with NIDA priorities; clinical trials not allowed.

Key Information: Applicants must not propose independent clinical trials; research experience in a mentor-led trial is permitted.

Description

This opportunity provides funding for doctoral candidates to complete dissertation research projects in the field of substance use or substance use disorder (SUD). The program is designed to facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into SUD research, with a strong emphasis on projects that align with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) strategic priorities. The award is open to candidates from a variety of academic disciplines and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to diversifying the research workforce.

Projects may address basic, clinical (non-trial), translational, or implementation research, including but not limited to neuroscience, epidemiology, prevention, treatment, services, and health disparities related to substance use. Research must not propose an independent clinical trial, but candidates may gain experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor.

Due Dates

AIDS-related applications: May 7, 2025 | September 7, 2025 | January 7, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | September 7, 2026
New applications: June 16, 2025 | October 16, 2025 | February 16, 2026 | June 16, 2026
Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: July 16, 2025 | November 16, 2025 | March 16, 2026 | July 16, 2026
Expiration date: September 8, 2026

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

Funding Amount

Direct costs: Up to $50,000 per year
Project period: 1–2 years (minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years)
Indirect costs: 8% of modified total direct costs (excludes tuition/fees, equipment, and certain consortium costs)
Number of awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications

Eligibility

Eligible applicants: U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents who are doctoral candidates at U.S. institutions and have completed all institutional requirements to enter the dissertation stage.
Eligible organizations:
- Public and private U.S. institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
- For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
- State, county, city, township, and special district governments
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Independent school districts, public housing authorities, regional organizations, and certain faith-based/community organizations
Ineligible: Non-U.S. organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations (foreign components as defined by NIH are allowed)
Other restrictions:
- Candidates who have received F31 funding are ineligible.
- Concurrent F31 and R36 applications are not allowed.
- Multiple PD/PI applications are not allowed.

Application Process

Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
Required registrations: SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov (can take 6+ weeks; start early)
Application components:
- SF424 (R&R) forms
- Project summary/abstract and narrative
- Research strategy (including significance, innovation, and approach)
- Responsible Conduct of Research plan (1 page)
- Scientific Support Plan (2 pages)
- Biographical sketches for candidate and advisor
- Letters of support (including required certification and reference letters)
- Budget and justification
- Human subjects/vertebrate animal sections (if applicable)
Clinical trials: Independent clinical trials are not allowed. Candidates may propose research experience in a mentor-led trial.
Review criteria: Significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and institutional environment.

Additional Information

Alignment: Projects must align with NIDA’s current strategic plan and funding priorities. See NIDA Strategic Plan and NIDA Funding Priorities.
Diversity: Applications from individuals who can contribute to workforce diversity are especially encouraged.
Non-responsive applications: Proposals involving independent clinical trials or using alcohol alone as the misused substance will not be reviewed.
Special considerations: Review NIDA’s Special Considerations for Funding Opportunities.

External Links

Contact Information

Topic	Contact Name/Email	Phone
Scientific/Research	Marsha F. Lopez, Ph.D., M.H.S.	301-443-6504
	marsha.lopez@nih.gov
	Keisher Highsmith, Ph.D.	301-402-1984
	keisher.highsmith@nih.gov
	Guifang Lao, M.D., Ph.D.	301-827-5931
	gaol@nida.nih.gov
	Edgardo Falcon Morales, Ph.D.	301-480-0742
	edgardo.falcon@nih.gov
	Lindsey Friend, Ph.D.	301-402-1428
	lindsey.friend@nih.gov
Grants Management	Chief Grants Management Officer, NIDA
	nidagmbemail@nida.nih.gov
Application Support	eRA Service Desk	301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552
	Online Help
General Grants Info	NIH Grants Information	301-480-7075
	GrantsInfo@nih.gov
Grants.gov Support	Grants.gov Customer Support	800-518-4726
	support@grants.gov