Molecular, Neural, and Cognitive Mechanisms of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Treat Substance Use Disorders

The National Institutes of Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is preparing to release a funding opportunity focused on advancing scientific understanding of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for the treatment of substance use disorders. Specifically administered through the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this forecasted grant opportunity is intended to support foundational research efforts that explore how emerging neuromodulation tools interact with biological and cognitive systems involved in addiction. The initiative reflects the agency’s broader mission to address public health challenges related to drug use through rigorous scientific inquiry and translational research. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to support studies investigating the molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and cognitive mechanisms underlying non-invasive brain stimulation approaches. Techniques of interest include transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial focused ultrasound. While these approaches have demonstrated potential in treating substance use disorders, the mechanisms through which they exert therapeutic effects remain insufficiently understood. This program seeks to close that knowledge gap by encouraging interdisciplinary research that identifies pathways of action and informs the development of more effective interventions. Funding will support projects that examine how these stimulation methods influence biological processes at multiple levels, including molecular signaling pathways, neural circuitry, and behavioral outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to investigate how changes induced by these techniques correlate with improvements in addiction-related outcomes, and to identify new therapeutic targets for intervention. The program emphasizes early-stage, basic research rather than clinical implementation, though studies involving human and animal models are both within scope. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive, encompassing nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, government entities at the state and county level, tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, and both small and large for-profit entities. This wide eligibility framework is designed to encourage collaboration across sectors and disciplines. The agency explicitly encourages partnerships that combine expertise in neuromodulation technologies with knowledge of addiction science, thereby fostering multidisciplinary approaches to complex research questions. As a forecasted opportunity, applications are not yet being accepted. The notice is intended to provide advance awareness so that prospective applicants may begin forming collaborations and preparing research concepts. The estimated application due date is June 5, 2026, with an anticipated award date and project start date of April 1, 2027. The funding opportunity is expected to support approximately four awards, with a total program funding estimate of three million dollars. Specific award amounts per project have not yet been defined. The submission process is expected to follow standard NIH grant application procedures once the formal notice of funding opportunity is released. Applicants will likely be required to submit detailed research proposals outlining study design, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the program’s objectives. While evaluation criteria are not explicitly stated in this forecast, NIH grants are typically reviewed based on scientific merit, innovation, investigator qualifications, and alignment with program priorities. For additional information, prospective applicants may contact the listed program official at the National Institute on Drug Abuse via email or phone. This forecast serves as an early engagement opportunity for researchers to prepare competitive and collaborative applications in advance of the formal solicitation.

Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between neuromodulation and addiction science experts; align research with mechanistic understanding goals