Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder Dissertation Research Award (R36 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 3, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for doctoral candidates pursuing dissertation research in substance use and substance use disorder (SU/SUD) fields. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral degree program at an eligible institution. Research projects must align with NIDA funding priorities. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, faith-based organizations, and most U.S. academic institutions. Non-U.S. foreign organizations cannot apply, though foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.
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Program description
The goal of this NOFO is to support doctoral candidates from a variety of academic disciplines for up to two years for the completion of the doctoral dissertation research project. Research projects should align with NIDA funding priorities detailed here (https://www.drugabuse.gov/funding/funding-priorities). This award will facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into the field of substance use/substance use disorder (SU(D) research, enhancing the pool of highly talented SU(D) researchers.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Biographical Sketch
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Dissertation Advisor Recommendation Letter
- Institution Certification of Doctoral Status
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
-
$204,359,786
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$99,478,296
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,245,057
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,572,673
-
$51,773,395
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- WA 1 awards $204.4M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 4 awards $141.9M
- MD 2 awards $128.2M
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?
Doctoral candidates enrolled in accredited doctoral programs at eligible U.S. institutions. Your institution must be an eligible applicant (most academic institutions qualify).
What types of research are supported?
Dissertation research on substance use or substance use disorder topics aligned with NIDA priorities. Clinical trials are not allowed under this award.
How long can the award last?
Up to two years to support dissertation completion. The project timeline depends on your research needs.
Can international applicants apply?
Foreign organizations cannot apply. However, U.S. institutions with international components or partnerships may be eligible.
What can funds be used for?
Typically doctoral dissertation research expenses, including personnel, supplies, and travel. Consult the full NIDA priorities for detailed allowable costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research question directly with published NIDA funding priorities. Reviewers prioritize strategic fit.
- Secure strong faculty sponsorship and advisor letters. Your mentor's credibility shapes reviewer perception of feasibility.
- Demonstrate preliminary data or pilot work showing research quality and promise. Even early-stage findings strengthen competitiveness.
- Clearly articulate how your research contributes to the SU/SUD field and potential career trajectory. Show long-term research vision.
- Check institutional eligibility early. Not all institutions are recognized NIDA awardees; verify yours before investing effort.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Misaligned research that doesn't clearly link to NIDA priorities. Weak or underdeveloped research design without sufficient preliminary data. Vague career development narrative or unclear connection between dissertation and long-term SU/SUD research goals.
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