Mechanistic Studies to Investigate the Interrelationship Between Sleep and/or Circadian Rhythms and Substance Use Disorders (R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) | RFA DA 24 021

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DA 24 021

Mechanistic Studies to Investigate the Interrelationship Between Sleep and/or Circadian Rhythms and Substance Use Disorders (R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-DA-24-021; CFDA 93.279) aimed at funding basic science, mechanistic research in humans that clarifies how sleep and circadian rhythm processes interact with substance use disorders (SUDs). The central goal is to move beyond simple correlations and instead support experimental human studies that can explain underlying pathways and causal links between disrupted sleep/circadian biology and SUD risk, progression, and outcomes. By focusing on mechanism, the NOFO is trying to generate fundamental knowledge about how sleep and circadian systems may influence substance use behaviors and vulnerability, and how substance use may in turn disrupt sleep and circadian regulation, potentially creating self-reinforcing cycles that worsen health and recovery.

A key emphasis of this opportunity is on basic experimental studies with humans, meaning projects should be designed to test hypotheses about biological, behavioral, and physiological processes rather than primarily delivering services or evaluating broad implementation approaches. The mechanistic framing is intended to produce insights into the core processes that connect SUDs with sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. These insights may ultimately inform practical applications, such as better ways to manage risk for developing SUDs, improve prevention strategies, refine clinical assessment of sleep/circadian disruption as a risk marker, or identify new targets for therapeutics. Even though the science is basic and mechanistic, the NOFO explicitly notes that findings could have implications for prevention and treatment development, particularly where sleep or circadian interventions might reduce substance-related harms or where addressing substance use could normalize sleep and circadian function.

The funding mechanism is an R01 research project grant, and the opportunity sits at the intersection of health and education-related federal research priorities. The listed award ceiling is $300,000, and while the source data shows an “ExpectedAwards” field without a specific number filled in, the intent is clearly to make multiple research awards depending on application volume, scientific merit, and available funds. The original closing date for submission was 2023-11-13, and the opportunity record was created on 2023-04-18, indicating it was released well ahead of the deadline to allow time for full R01 preparation.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Domestic eligible applicants span state, county, city/township, and 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; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education when specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The NOFO also highlights additional eligible applicant categories that are often emphasized to encourage participation by diverse institutions and community-rooted entities, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility reflects NIH’s interest in supporting mechanistic human research across many settings and populations, including communities disproportionately affected by sleep health disparities and substance-related harms.

In practical terms, a competitive application under this NOFO would be expected to clearly define the mechanistic question being tested, justify why a human experimental approach is necessary, and specify how sleep and/or circadian rhythm variables will be measured and manipulated (or otherwise experimentally probed) in relation to substance use behaviors, SUD symptoms, craving, withdrawal, relapse vulnerability, or other relevant outcomes. Strong proposals typically make the interrelationship explicit in both directions: how sleep/circadian disruption might increase substance use risk or severity, and how substance exposure or SUD states might alter sleep architecture, circadian phase, or related neurobehavioral functions. Because the NOFO is oriented toward fundamental processes, applicants would generally be expected to articulate how the study’s design can support inference about mechanisms (for example, identifying mediators, testing predicted pathways, or isolating circadian versus sleep-pressure contributions), while maintaining ethical and rigorous protections appropriate for human subjects research.

Overall, this NIH R01 NOFO is designed to build a clearer scientific foundation for understanding the two-way links between sleep/circadian biology and substance use disorders through carefully designed experimental studies in humans. The expectation is that by pinning down mechanisms, the field will be better positioned to identify meaningful points of intervention, improve prevention and risk management, and guide future development of therapies that consider sleep and circadian rhythms as central components of SUD vulnerability and recovery.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mechanistic Studies to Investigate the Interrelationship Between Sleep and/or Circadian Rhythms and Substance Use Disorders (R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)" 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 2023-04-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-11-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• 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.

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