Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder Research (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career clinical scientists conducting substance use and substance use disorder research. Applicants must have a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent) and commit to a 5-year career development plan. The institution must provide mentorship, protected research time, and institutional commitment. Research must align with NIDA priorities in addiction science and treatment.
Researchers from accredited U.S. institutions are eligible, including universities, medical schools, and research centers. International researchers may apply through U.S. institutions but must have permanent U.S. residency or work authorization. Mentees must have fewer than 5 years of post-doctoral research experience.
This grant is for early-career clinical scientists conducting substance use and substance use disorder research. Applicants must have a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent) and commit to a 5-year career development plan. The institution must provide mentorship, protected research time, and institutional commitment. Research must align with NIDA priorities in addiction science and treatment.
Researchers from accredited U.S. institutions are eligible, including universities, medical schools, and research centers. International researchers may apply through U.S. institutions but must have permanent U.S. residency or work authorization. Mentees must have fewer than 5 years of post-doctoral research experience.
Program description
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages applications for institutional research career development (K12) programs that propose to support intensive supervised research training and career development experiences for clinician scientists (Scholars) leading to research independence in the area of substance use and substance use disorder research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for early-career clinical scientists conducting substance use and substance use disorder research. Applicants must have a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent) and commit to a 5-year career development plan. The institution must provide mentorship, protected research time, and institutional commitment. Research must align with NIDA priorities in addiction science and treatment.
Researchers from accredited U.S. institutions are eligible, including universities, medical schools, and research centers. International researchers may apply through U.S. institutions but must have permanent U.S. residency or work authorization. Mentees must have fewer than 5 years of post-doctoral research experience.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- PHS 398 or SF-424 (R&R) application form
- Biosketch (mentor and mentee)
- Career development plan narrative
- Research proposal (mentee-led)
- Mentor's research support documentation
- Institutional commitment letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Budget and budget justification
- NIDA research prioritization checklist
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.279 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,351,755
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,578,651
-
$50,344,757
-
$41,820,011
-
$39,479,041
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 3 awards $90.2M
- KY 1 awards $79.3M
- MA 1 awards $78.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.279). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,245,503,136 | |
| 2025 | $1,343,517,098 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,194,375 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply as a mentee?
You must hold a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent). You need fewer than 5 years of post-doctoral research experience.
What institution types can apply?
Accredited U.S. research institutions, universities, medical schools, and NIDA-supported research centers are eligible.
What is the role of a mentor?
Your mentor must be an established researcher with expertise in your research area. They guide your 5-year career development plan and help secure research time and resources.
How competitive is this grant?
K12 awards are moderately to highly competitive. Strong mentorship, clear career trajectory, and innovative research design are critical. NIDA priorities in addiction science strengthen competitiveness.
What funding levels and duration should I expect?
Awards typically cover salary support, research costs, and institutional support. Funding amounts vary by institution but usually total $150,000-$300,000+ annually. Awards fund 5 years of career development.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Secure a strong mentor early. Their track record and commitment to your development are essential.
- Align your research with NIDA strategic priorities. Review NIDA's research agenda and funding announcements.
- Emphasize your 5-year career development plan. Show clear milestones and how the award enables your independence.
- Demonstrate institutional support. Get written commitments for research space, equipment, and protected time from your institution.
- Include a feasible research project. Your K12 research should be preliminary work toward R01-level independence, not your final goal.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Mentors without sufficient research funding or publication record in substance use science. Vague career development plans that lack specific milestones or timeline. Weak institutional commitment letters lacking concrete resources or protected research time.
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