Science Track Award for Research Transition (START) Program (R03, Clinical Trial Optional)

The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to facilitate the entry of investigators into multiple high-priority areas of substance use research, including comorbidity with HIV. The Science Track Award for Research Transition (START) Program aims to provide investigators with the opportunity to gather preliminary data that will assist them in securing future research grants and advancing their scientific careers. Key aspects of the job include: • Discovery and development of new chemical entities or biologics to advance therapeutic interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) and drug dependence • Development and application of brain imaging tools or brain imaging methods • Application of innovative neurocognitive and behavioral science tools or paradigms • Application of advanced data science techniques and innovative computational methods, including artificial intelligence • Research that can lead to advancing basic, clinical, translational, epidemiological, or intervention science regarding substance use and HIV/AIDS