Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 14 105
Apply for PAR 14 105
- The National Institutes of Health in the education health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 25, 2014 and posted on Feb 25, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 7, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) For profit organizations other than small businesses Special district governments Private institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education State governments City or township governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Small businesses Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) County governments Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Independent school districts.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs) Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply. Non domestic (non U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
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Opportunity Summary:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity PAR-14-105, titled "Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R21)," was a discretionary grant program designed to support exploratory, early-stage research on synthetic psychoactive substances and the growing public health problems associated with them. The core aim of the announcement was to accelerate new scientific knowledge about how these drugs are being used, how they work in the brain and body, what short- and long-term harms they cause, and what practical strategies might prevent harm or improve treatment, especially in emergency department settings and in longer-term care. In other words, the program was framed to move beyond simply documenting that synthetic drugs are dangerous, and instead build the evidence base needed to understand their mechanisms and translate that understanding into better prevention and clinical responses.
This opportunity used the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically intended for novel, high-impact ideas that may still be at a proof-of-concept stage rather than fully mature research programs. The posted award ceiling for this opportunity was $200,000, and it explicitly stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The funding activity fell under health and education-related research, with the CFDA listing 93.279 (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs), signaling that it sat within NIHs broader portfolio supporting research on substance use, addiction, overdose, and related behavioral and biomedical outcomes. The opportunity was posted on February 25, 2014, and remained open through May 7, 2017, with an archive date of June 7, 2017, meaning the announcement is no longer active for new submissions but remains available as a historical reference.
From a scientific and public health perspective, the announcement emphasized several connected research needs. First, it sought studies that clarify patterns of use of synthetic psychoactive drugs, including who is using them, under what circumstances, and what contextual factors drive initiation and continued use. Second, it prioritized research on mechanisms of action, which can include pharmacology, neurobiology, toxicology, and related biological pathways that explain why certain synthetic compounds produce intense psychoactive effects or severe adverse reactions. Third, it highlighted the importance of understanding health effects, including acute toxicity, psychiatric and neurological consequences, and other medical complications that may present in emergency settings or emerge over time. Finally, it underscored the need for prevention and treatment strategies, including approaches relevant to frontline clinical care in emergency departments as well as longer-range treatment planning and interventions for patients who may experience ongoing health or substance use problems after an acute episode.
A practical feature of the FOA was its broad eligibility. Applicants could include a wide range of U.S. organizations and governments, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, independent school districts, special district governments, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. The eligibility language also explicitly included various minority-serving institutions (for example, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities), as well as faith-based and community-based organizations. Notably, non-U.S. entities were also eligible, including foreign organizations and foreign institutions, and foreign components of U.S. organizations were allowed consistent with NIH policy. This broad eligibility aligns with the reality that synthetic drug markets and associated harms can be transnational, and that useful research contributions can come from many sectors, including community organizations and international research groups, not only major academic medical centers.
In terms of administrative details, the sponsoring agency was the NIH, and the public listing provided support contacts primarily for technical problems accessing or linking to the full announcement, directing users to the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster emails. The additional information link pointed to the NIH Guide notice page for PAR-14-105, where applicants would have found the full requirements, application instructions, and the specific research interests and review criteria used for this program.
Overall, PAR-14-105 was structured to encourage innovative, targeted research on a fast-changing set of synthetic psychoactive substances, with the intent of producing actionable knowledge. It was meant to help close gaps between emerging drug trends and the scientific understanding needed to reduce harm, improve emergency response and clinical management, and strengthen prevention and longer-term treatment strategies for individuals affected by these substances.
FAQs: NIH PAR-14-105 - Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R21)
What is NIH PAR-14-105?
PAR-14-105 was a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity announcement titled "Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R21)." It supported exploratory, early-stage research focused on synthetic psychoactive substances and the public health problems linked to their use.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The core goal was to speed up scientific knowledge about synthetic psychoactive drugs, including how they are used, how they affect the brain and body, what harms they cause in the short and long term, and what practical strategies can prevent harm or improve treatment. A key emphasis was building evidence that can translate into better prevention and clinical responses, including in emergency department settings and in longer-term care.
What NIH grant mechanism did this opportunity use?
This opportunity used the NIH R21 mechanism, which is generally intended for novel, high-impact projects that are exploratory or at a proof-of-concept stage rather than fully developed research programs.
What was the maximum award amount mentioned for PAR-14-105?
The posted award ceiling for this opportunity was $200,000.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement explicitly stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.
Which NIH research area or program category did this opportunity fall under?
The listing placed this opportunity within health and education-related research and associated it with CFDA 93.279 (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs), indicating alignment with NIH-supported research on substance use, addiction, overdose, and related behavioral and biomedical outcomes.
When was PAR-14-105 posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted on February 25, 2014. It remained open through May 7, 2017, and the archive date was June 7, 2017.
Is PAR-14-105 currently accepting applications?
No. Based on the close date and archive date provided, PAR-14-105 is no longer active for new submissions and is available as a historical reference.
What kinds of research topics were emphasized?
The announcement emphasized connected research needs, including: (1) patterns of use (who uses synthetic psychoactive drugs, under what circumstances, and what contextual factors influence initiation and continued use), (2) mechanisms of action (such as pharmacology, neurobiology, toxicology, and biological pathways), (3) health effects (including acute toxicity and psychiatric, neurological, and other medical complications in emergency settings or over time), and (4) prevention and treatment strategies (including approaches relevant to emergency departments and longer-term treatment planning).
Did the announcement focus only on documenting harms?
No. The opportunity was framed to move beyond simply documenting that synthetic drugs are dangerous and instead to generate evidence explaining how these substances work and how that knowledge can improve prevention and clinical response.
Were emergency department (ED) needs specifically mentioned?
Yes. The description highlighted improving practical strategies for prevention and treatment, especially in emergency department settings, along with longer-term care approaches.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was broad and included many U.S. organization types and governments, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, independent school districts, special district governments, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Were minority-serving institutions specifically included?
Yes. The eligibility language explicitly included multiple categories of minority-serving institutions, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.
Could faith-based or community-based organizations apply?
Yes. Faith-based and community-based organizations were explicitly included in the eligibility description.
Were non-U.S. applicants eligible?
Yes. The eligibility description stated that non-U.S. entities were eligible, including foreign organizations and foreign institutions, and that foreign components of U.S. organizations were allowed consistent with NIH policy.
Why did the opportunity allow such broad eligibility, including foreign entities?
The provided description links broad eligibility to the transnational nature of synthetic drug markets and related harms, and to the idea that valuable research contributions can come from many sectors and locations, not only large academic medical centers.
Which agency sponsored PAR-14-105?
The sponsoring agency for this funding opportunity was the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Where could applicants find the full announcement details and requirements?
The listing referenced an additional information link to the NIH Guide notice page for PAR-14-105, where the full requirements, application instructions, specific research interests, and review criteria would have been provided.
Who was listed as a contact for help?
The public listing provided support contacts primarily for technical issues accessing or linking to the full announcement, directing users to NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster email contacts.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education Health
Next opportunity: Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R03)
Previous opportunity: 2014 DHS Scientific Leadership Awards for Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Granting Bachelor Degrees
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 14 105) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R03) Apply for PAR 14 104 Funding Number: PAR 14 104 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs and Strategic Approaches to Counteract Their Deleterious Effects (R01) Apply for PAR 14 106 Funding Number: PAR 14 106 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Additional Research Training Slots for NIDA Supported NRSA Institutional Training (T32) Grants (Admin Supp) Apply for PAR 14 115 Funding Number: PAR 14 115 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Quantitative Imaging for Evaluation of Response to Cancer Therapies (U01) Apply for PAR 14 116 Funding Number: PAR 14 116 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Accelerating Improvements in the HIV Care Continuum (R01) Apply for PA 14 132 Funding Number: PA 14 132 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Prevention and Treatment of Substance Using Populations with or at Risk for HCV (R34) Apply for PA 14 135 Funding Number: PA 14 135 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Prevention and Treatment of Substance Using Populations with or at Risk for HCV (R21) Apply for PA 14 136 Funding Number: PA 14 136 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Prevention and Treatment of Substance Using Populations with or at Risk for HCV (R01) Apply for PA 14 137 Funding Number: PA 14 137 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Partnerships to Advance Research (CPAR) (R21) Apply for PA 14 141 Funding Number: PA 14 141 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Community Partnerships to Advance Research (CPAR) (R01) Apply for PA 14 142 Funding Number: PA 14 142 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Partnerships to Advance Research (CPAR) (R15) Apply for PA 14 140 Funding Number: PA 14 140 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Additional Research Training Positions for NIAAA , NIDA , or NCI Supported NRSA Institutional Training (T32) Grants (Admin Supp) Apply for PA 14 146 Funding Number: PA 14 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Feasibility Studies to Build Collaborative Partnerships in Cancer Research (P20) Apply for PAR 14 152 Funding Number: PAR 14 152 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Core Infrastructure and Methodological Research for Cancer Epidemiology Cohorts (U01) Apply for PAR 14 160 Funding Number: PAR 14 160 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Effects of Cannabis Use and Cannabinoids on the Developing Brain (R03) Apply for PA 14 164 Funding Number: PA 14 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Effects of Cannabis Use and Cannabinoids on the Developing Brain (R21) Apply for PA 14 162 Funding Number: PA 14 162 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Effects of Cannabis Use and Cannabinoids on the Developing Brain (R01) Apply for PA 14 163 Funding Number: PA 14 163 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Avenir Award Program for Genetics or Epigenetics of Substance Abuse (DP2) Apply for RFA DA 15 006 Funding Number: RFA DA 15 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Early Phase Clinical Trials in Imaging and Image Guided Interventions (R01) Apply for PAR 14 166 Funding Number: PAR 14 166 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Physical Sciences Oncology Centers (U54) Apply for PAR 14 169 Funding Number: PAR 14 169 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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