PAR-24-297
Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
Summary
Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START)
Research Focus
This R03 Small Grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports investigators entering neuroimaging research or adopting brain imaging methodologies to advance substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction research. The program targets "proof-of-concept" studies that develop and apply novel molecular tools and imaging methods—including positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT, and optical imaging—to understand central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction in the context of substance use and SUD.
Research areas include: design and synthesis of novel radioligands and fluorescent ligands; optimization of imaging tools for target affinity and brain penetration; development of methods for molecular, cellular, and tissue-level imaging to elucidate targets and circuits implicated in addiction; application of imaging to identify neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive constructs relevant to SUD (e.g., motivated behavior, interoception); assessment of structural, functional, or biochemical alterations from substance use; and evaluation of neurobiological changes from pharmacological or behavioral treatment. Studies must clearly demonstrate relevance to expanding understanding of substance use and/or SUD neurobiology.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government agencies, tribal governments, faith-based organizations, and foreign organizations. Newly independent and established investigators both eligible.
- Funding & project length: Up to $150,000 direct costs for 1 year only.
- Award mechanism: R03 Small Research Grant; clinical trials optional.
- Key dates: Open January 16, 2025; rolling deadlines through January 8, 2028 (earliest start December 2025).
- Best fit for: Neuroscience, pharmacology, chemistry, and translational addiction research; investigators developing imaging tools or generating preliminary neuroimaging data in substance use contexts.
Key Facts
Deadline
Fri, January 7, 2028
Posted
Tue, September 17, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$150,000
Max Total
$150,000
Max Duration
1 year
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
The NOFO states applications focusing on alcohol or alcohol in combination with other addictive substances are not responsive and will not be reviewed. This is a hard scope exclusion that differs from
95%
Source Text
“Applications that focus on alcohol or alcohol in combination with other addictive substances”
Notice of Change to Eligibility Information was issued December 12, 2024 (NOT-DA-24-060), but the specific eligibility changes are not detailed in the provided text. Applicants must consult the refere
85%
Source Text
“December 12, 2024 - Notice of Change to Eligibility Information for PAR-24-297, "Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)". See Notice NOT-DA-24-060.”
Award budget is capped at $150,000 direct costs for exactly one year only. Project period cannot exceed 1 year. This is a strict constraint that differs from typical R03 mechanisms which may allow 2 y
95%
Source Text
“Applicants may request direct costs of up to $150,000 for a period of one year only. The maximum project period is 1 year.”