The Adult-Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (A-ABCD) Study Renewal-Research Project Sites (U01) grant is being forecasted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This opportunity aims to extend and renew research efforts related to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest longitudinal study of brain development and health in children and adolescents in the United States. This initiative is a collaborative endeavor involving multiple NIH Institutes and Centers, reflecting its broad scientific and health relevance.
The proposed renewal will continue following the existing ABCD cohort into their emerging adulthood, up to ages 26-27. Initially, the cohort included nearly 12,000 participants who were recruited at ages 9-10 and assessed through age 19-20. The aim of the renewed study is to observe how various experiences during young adulthood—including lifestyle factors, use of technology, and behavioral trends—interact with biological changes to influence a wide array of outcomes such as mental health disorders, substance use disorders, chronic illnesses, and academic and social development.
This grant opportunity is categorized under a cooperative agreement funding instrument and will use the U01 activity code. It falls under the “Health” category of funding activity and is linked to Assistance Listing Number 93.279, pertaining to Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs. Notably, this is a discretionary funding opportunity with no cost-sharing or matching requirements.
Eligibility for this grant is highly restricted. Only organizations previously funded under RFA-DA-20-002 are eligible to apply. This exclusivity implies a continuation of funding for existing research project sites rather than opening the opportunity to new applicants. The announcement is currently a forecast, and applications are not yet being accepted. This advance notice is intended to allow eligible entities ample time to prepare their proposals and develop collaborations.
The expected timeline includes an estimated post date of February 6, 2026, with applications due by May 25, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced on April 1, 2027, which also marks the anticipated project start date. The forecasted date of this notice was May 28, 2025. All interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly.
For inquiries, applicants should contact Dr. Bethany Deeds at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, available via phone at 301-402-1935 or email at deedsb@nida.nih.gov. Additional information and future updates will be provided once the formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is released.
