Genetic analysis of non-human animal models to understand the genomic architecture of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 18 789

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 789

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Genetic analysis of non-human animal models to understand the genomic architecture of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-18-789) supports research projects that use non-human animal models to uncover the genetic and genomic underpinnings of substance use disorders and addiction-related behaviors. The central aim is to identify specific allelic variants and broader genomic alterations that contribute to addiction-relevant traits, and to connect those genetic signals to functional biological changes that help explain why certain individuals or strains show higher vulnerability, resilience, escalation, or other behavioral patterns linked to addiction.

A key emphasis of the opportunity is on systems-level studies that apply modern genetic and genomics strategies rather than focusing only on single genes in isolation. NIH is looking for projects that can move from genetic discovery toward a more integrated understanding of how multiple genes and regulatory mechanisms work together in networks to shape complex behaviors. This includes proposals that integrate different data types (for example, DNA variation, gene expression, epigenetic marks, and other functional genomic readouts) to delineate gene networks, map biological pathways, and clarify the roles of known or newly discovered genetic or epigenetic variants. In practice, this can involve approaches such as genome-wide mapping, comparative genomics across strains or lines, multi-omics integration, and functional follow-up experiments designed to link genomic variation to measurable molecular and behavioral outcomes in relevant animal paradigms.

The award mechanism is a U01 cooperative agreement, which generally means the project is expected to involve a higher level of coordination and scientific interaction with NIH staff than a standard research project grant. Even though the opportunity is labeled as "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," it is still strongly oriented toward translationally meaningful addiction biology, with the clear expectation that mechanistic insights gained from animal genetics and genomics will advance understanding of the biological architecture of substance use disorders. The funding activity category is listed under education and health, and the CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 93.279.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations. Standard eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those nonprofit categories as specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities. The opportunity also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, Hispanic-serving institutions, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, non-U.S. organizations (foreign applicants), regional organizations, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), and U.S. territories or possessions. This wide eligibility reflects NIH interest in drawing on diverse institutional capabilities and research populations, including international expertise and organizations serving historically underrepresented communities.

Administratively, the opportunity is a discretionary grant program run by NIH. The posting indicates an original closing date of March 19, 2021, with a creation date of May 16, 2018. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source data, which typically means applicants would need to consult the full announcement or NIH institute guidance for budget expectations, scope, and any programmatic priorities that influence award size and selection. Overall, the opportunity is designed for research teams positioned to do rigorous genetic discovery in animal models and to push beyond discovery into functional and network-based interpretation, with the long-term goal of clarifying the genomic architecture that drives addiction-related behavior.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Genetic analysis of non-human animal models to understand the genomic architecture of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-05-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-03-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 18 789

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