Funder: University of California
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Letter of intent) | October 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,150,000 in direct costs over four years, plus allowable indirect costs
Summary: Supports institutional partnerships providing mentored tobacco research, advocacy experience, and education for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and master’s students.
Key Information: Requires a CSU or California Community College partner and a California doctorate-granting research institution.
Description
The University of California’s Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) administers the Smoke- and Vape-Free Scholars Initiative to develop California’s next generation of tobacco control researchers and advocates. Program Awards support cross-institutional mentorship and training programs, particularly engaging students from communities disproportionately affected by commercial tobacco use, industry targeting, smoke and vape aerosol exposure, or tobacco-related disease. Commercial tobacco excludes traditional tobacco used for religious, ceremonial, or healing purposes.
Programs combine research internships, local tobacco control or advocacy projects, educational activities, and culturally sensitive mentoring. Research may address California’s tobacco endgame, prevention and treatment, state and local policy, tobacco-related diseases, environmental exposure and toxicology, nicotine addiction, or maternal and fetal impacts of smoking. Career advising, mentor training, scientific presentations, and networking connect scholars’ experiences with further education and tobacco control careers.
