Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers (P60 Clinical trial Optional)

The Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers program (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-AA-25-012) is a forecasted grant initiative by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically under the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). This grant opportunity is structured under the P60 mechanism and is classified as a discretionary grant. The program seeks to support long-term, multidisciplinary, and multi-investigator research centers with a comprehensive and integrated focus on alcohol-related studies. The initiative enables institutions to establish and maintain a center that pursues a unified research theme involving alcohol use, abuse, and related health consequences. The design allows for clinical trials, although participation in clinical trials is optional. NIAAA has long been the lead federal agency supporting research on the impact of alcohol on human health and well-being. Through the Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers, the agency aims to stimulate sustained research activities that are thematically aligned and offer significant depth. These centers are expected to integrate multiple disciplines and methodologies, fostering collaboration among researchers from varied backgrounds. The funding mechanism supports both research and infrastructure components such as administrative cores and shared resource facilities necessary for the efficient conduct of alcohol research. The anticipated scope of the grant includes both basic and applied research efforts. This may involve, but is not limited to, investigating the biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms of alcohol use disorders, exploring intervention and prevention strategies, and addressing comorbid conditions. Centers are encouraged to support pilot projects, career development opportunities for early-stage investigators, and community outreach or dissemination components if applicable. Specific allowable expenses are typically detailed in the full funding announcement, though the overarching goal is to facilitate sustained, high-impact research. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad. It includes institutions of higher education (both public and private), non-profit and for-profit organizations, tribal governments and organizations, small businesses, and various state and local government entities. Additional eligible applicants include U.S. territories, faith-based and community-based organizations, and regional organizations. No cost-sharing or matching is required, and the opportunity is classified under the Assistance Listing 93.273 (Alcohol Research Programs), confirming its alignment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The projected timeline sets the estimated post date as November 20, 2025, with applications due by January 21, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 15, 2026, with funded projects beginning on or around January 15, 2027. As of the analysis date, the opportunity is in the early engagement stage, allowing prospective applicants to begin preparations. Recurrence details are not specified, so future cycles should be confirmed with the agency. Questions regarding the grant should be directed to Philippe Marmillot at [email protected] or by phone at 301-605-5544. No pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or concept papers are indicated in the current forecast. However, applicants should monitor the NIH website and Grants.gov for the full funding opportunity announcement (FOA) when published. All required application materials will be provided there, likely via the NIH ASSIST system or Grants.gov workspace. Submissions must adhere to NIH standard application policies, including formatting requirements and content completeness.