Functional Validation and/or Characterization of Genes or Variants Implicated in Substance Use Disorders (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 24 267

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 267

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Functional Validation and/or Characterization of Genes or Variants Implicated in Substance Use Disorders (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" under funding opportunity number PAR-24-267 (CFDA 93.279). The central goal is to fund research that uses genome editing and/or epigenome editing approaches to test whether specific genes or genetic variants actually play a causal or mechanistic role in substance use disorder (SUD)-relevant traits and biology. In plain terms, the program is aimed at moving beyond genetic association findings (for example, signals from GWAS or other genomic studies) and pushing projects toward functional evidence that a particular gene, regulatory element, or variant changes neurobiology in ways that matter for addiction-related phenotypes.

A key emphasis of this opportunity is functional validation and characterization. Projects are expected to use modern perturbation tools, such as CRISPR-based genome editing or epigenome editing, to manipulate candidate genes or variants and then measure meaningful outcomes tied to SUD biology. The intent is to generate strong, experimentally grounded insight into neurobiological mechanisms that influence vulnerability, progression, or other relevant dimensions of substance use disorders. This foundational mechanistic work is positioned as a pipeline step that can ultimately support future prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutics, even though the solicitation itself does not allow clinical trials.

The funding mechanism is an R21/R33 phased innovation award. In general, that structure supports an initial exploratory or feasibility phase (R21) followed by a second phase (R33) that expands the work if predefined milestones are met. This kind of design is commonly used when early proof-of-concept is needed before scaling into deeper characterization, larger experiments, broader validation, or more extensive resource generation. The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $125,000, and the agency anticipates making multiple awards (the total number is not specified in the provided source text).

Another major expectation is broad sharing of research outputs, particularly any genetic resources that are created. The announcement explicitly states that genetic resources generated through supported projects are expected to be made widely available to the scientific community. This reflects a community-building goal: enabling other researchers to interrogate SUD-relevant neurobiology using shared reagents, engineered lines, constructs, edited models, or other tools produced through these awards. The broader availability requirement is meant to amplify impact beyond the original funded lab by accelerating follow-on studies and replication.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations as well as certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants listed in the source include state, county, and city/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; tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and additional eligible entities categorized as "others." The opportunity also explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant types such as 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), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide net is consistent with NIH interest in drawing on diverse institutional strengths and expanding participation across different research settings.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding agency is NIH, the opportunity category is discretionary, and the funding instrument is a grant. The original closing date listed is 2025-07-28, and the opportunity was created on 2024-08-06. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as targeted support for cutting-edge functional genomics and epigenomics experiments that can decisively test the biological relevance of implicated genes or variants in substance use disorders, while also producing shareable tools that speed progress across the field.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Functional Validation and/or Characterization of Genes or Variants Implicated in Substance Use Disorders (R21/R33 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 2024-08-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-07-28. (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 $125,000.00 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.

Apply for PAR 24 267

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