Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to invite applications proposing the innovative analysis of existing social science, behavioral, administrative, and neuroimaging data to study the etiology and epidemiology of drug using behaviors (defined as alcohol, tobacco, prescription and other drug) and related disorders, prevention of drug use and HIV, and health service utilization. This FOA encourages the analyses of public use and other extant community-based or clinical datasets to their full potential in order to increase our knowledge of etiology, trajectories of drug using behaviors and their consequences including morbidity and mortality, risk and resilience in the development of psychopathology, strategies to guide the development, testing, implementation, and delivery of high quality, effective and efficient services for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and HIV.
The Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) grant program funds innovative secondary data analysis projects focused on substance use, drug-using behaviors, and related public health challenges. This nationwide funding opportunity invites researchers and eligible organizations to analyze existing social science, behavioral, administrative, and neuroimaging datasets to advance understanding of drug use etiology, epidemiology, prevention strategies, and health service delivery. The program supports research on alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, and other substance use, as well as prevention efforts related to HIV and drug use disorders. Applicants can leverage public use datasets and community-based or clinical data to investigate risk and resilience factors, trajectories of substance use behaviors, health outcomes including morbidity and mortality, and implementation of prevention and treatment services. This grant is ideal for researchers, academic institutions, tribal governments, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations seeking to maximize existing data resources to generate actionable insights for substance use prevention and treatment policy and practice. The R21 mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research, making it suitable for innovative methodological approaches to existing datasets.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
December 3, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle
Deadline
2027-12-03
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Researchers at universities, HBCUs, tribal institutions, community organizations, and faith-based organizations conducting secondary data analysis on substance use
Eligibility
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 Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Indian/Native American Tribal Governments. For a complete list of eligible entity types and specific requirements, consult the official funding opportunity announcement on the grant sponsor's website.
How much funding does Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Specific funding amounts are not listed in the available program details. Award amounts vary by funding cycle and individual project needs. Contact the sponsoring agency or review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for current budget guidelines and funding ranges.
How do I apply for Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the sponsoring federal agency's grants portal, typically using a standardized application format. Most federal research grants require a research proposal, budget narrative, institutional signatures, and supporting documentation. Visit the official funding agency website for detailed application instructions, required forms, submission procedures, and any specific formatting requirements. The application deadline is December 3, 2027.
What can Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports innovative secondary analysis of existing datasets to study substance use etiology and epidemiology, prevention of drug use and HIV, health service utilization, risk and resilience factors in psychopathology development, and strategies for developing and implementing effective prevention and treatment services. Projects must use existing social science, behavioral, administrative, or neuroimaging data rather than conducting new clinical trials.
Last updated: July 5, 2026