Neuroscience Research on Drug Abuse (R21) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NIDA/NIH R21 Exploratory Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience Studies (PA-07-227)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity seeking applications for exploratory neuroscience and behavioral neuroscience studies that improve understanding of how drug abuse and addiction develop and persist. The Funding Opportunity Number is PA-07-227.

2) What is the overall scientific focus of PA-07-227?

The focus is on biological and behavioral processes and mechanisms across the full course of substance use and substance use disorders, including initial use, escalation, dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and treatment- or recovery-related processes.

3) What types of research approaches are allowed under this announcement?

A wide range of approaches and study systems may be used, including computational or other model systems, animal studies, and research with human participants, as long as the work is clearly tied to mechanisms relevant to drug abuse and addiction.

4) Does the project have to cover the entire course of substance use disorder (from initiation through recovery)?

No specific requirement is stated that a single project must cover every stage. The announcement highlights that NIDA is interested in mechanisms across the full course (initial use through recovery-related processes), so projects can target stages that are relevant to the proposed mechanistic question.

5) What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 Research Project Grant mechanism.

6) What is an R21 intended for in this context?

The R21 is described as typically intended for early-stage, exploratory, or high-risk/high-reward work where the goal is to generate foundational data, test a novel idea, or open a new line of investigation rather than complete a large, multi-year research program.

7) If my project is larger or more mature than an R21, is there another option?

Yes. Investigators with projects that fit better as a larger or more mature effort are directed to a companion R01 announcement: PA 07 226.

8) If my project is smaller or more limited than an R21, is there another option?

Yes. Smaller, more limited projects may be suitable for the R03 announcement: PA 07 228.

9) Are there other NIH mechanisms mentioned for similar scientific ideas?

Yes. Similar scientific ideas may also be submitted under the Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15), which is aimed at strengthening research at eligible institutions.

10) What is the maximum award amount mentioned for PA-07-227?

The listed award ceiling is $200,000.

11) Are the budget and project period fixed for this opportunity?

No. Budget and project period are not fixed because NIDA expects applications to vary widely in complexity, methods, and scope.

12) How many awards will be made, and how much total funding is available?

The total number of awards and overall dollars committed will depend on the number of applications received, their scientific quality, and their requested durations and costs.

13) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving an award.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations and governments. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other than small businesses); and governmental entities such as state governments, counties, cities or townships, special district governments, and independent school districts.

15) Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Tribal governments and tribal organizations are explicitly listed as eligible.

16) Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are included as eligible applicants.

17) Can foreign institutions apply?

Yes. Foreign institutions may apply.

18) Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies may apply.

19) Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based and community-based organizations are explicitly included as eligible applicants.

20) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA 93.279 (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs).

21) What type of grant is PA-07-227 categorized as?

It is categorized as a discretionary grant within health and education-related activity areas.

22) When was this opportunity posted?

It was posted on February 21, 2007.

23) Is there a single deadline, or are there multiple receipt dates?

There are multiple receipt dates, meaning applications are accepted on recurring standard NIH due dates rather than a single deadline.

24) What does it mean that this opportunity is archived?

The archived date is listed as June 1, 2010.

25) Where can applicants find the full announcement and official instructions?

Applicants are directed to the full NIH guide announcement for complete requirements, submission instructions, and receipt date details at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-227.html

26) Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the announcement?

For technical issues accessing the announcement, the NIH Office of Extramural Research webmaster is listed as the contact point.