The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is reissuing its Animal Genomics Program (U01 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed) to support research that explores genetic, genomic, and epigenetic factors underlying neural and behavioral processes relevant to substance use disorders (SUDs). This opportunity targets studies that link genetic mechanisms to neural circuit function and behavior in animal models to better understand SUD risk, trajectory, and associated comorbidities. The program encourages the use of advanced approaches like multi-omics, data-driven methods, and artificial intelligence to integrate complex genetic data, analyze gene networks, and uncover novel genetic and epigenetic variants that may serve as therapeutic targets. Additionally, applications should focus on the roles of specific neurobehavioral processes and phenotypes associated with SUDs, such as reward processing, decision-making, impulse control, and social behaviors.

Funding is available through cooperative agreements for research periods up to five years. NIDA will provide substantial involvement in the form of scientific guidance, coordination, and participation in collaborative activities. Budgets for these projects are not capped but must align with project needs. The NIDA Animal Genetics Consortium will play a central role in coordinating research and disseminating findings, with grantees required to participate in monthly consortium meetings and attend an annual genetics meeting organized by NIDA.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, Tribal entities, state and local governments, and international organizations. Applications from foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of domestic organizations are also eligible. Applicants are encouraged to form interdisciplinary teams with expertise in genetics, behavioral phenotyping, bioinformatics, and network analysis to ensure robust research designs that address complex aspects of SUD genetics. Additionally, applications must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which outlines strategies to integrate diverse scientific and demographic viewpoints throughout the project.

Research proposals must delineate project milestones, outline experimental approaches to analyze various genetic and epigenetic variants, and describe computational methods for data integration. Applicants should include plans for the ethical and secure sharing of data, ensuring compliance with NIH’s data management and sharing policies. Proposed studies must address sex as a biological variable, as evidence suggests sex differences in addiction-related phenotypes. Studies focusing on single-gene mutations or solely on epigenetic analyses without a broader genomics component are not eligible.

The evaluation criteria for applications include scientific importance, rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and resources. Applicants are required to demonstrate the significance of selected behavioral assays, provide a rationale for animal models, justify sample sizes, and outline data-sharing practices. Successful applicants will receive feedback during the peer review process and ongoing guidance from NIH staff to ensure project milestones are met.

Applications are due by February 11, 2025, with subsequent cycles through February 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, with detailed registration requirements including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. The review process will evaluate scientific and technical merit, project alignment with program priorities, and availability of funds. Contact information for NIH program officials, peer review staff, and grants management contacts is provided for additional inquiries.