Pilot and Feasibility Studies in Preparation for Substance Use and HIV Prevention Intervention and Services Research Trials

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is preparing to support pilot and feasibility studies aimed at advancing interventions for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as HIV eradication research in substance-using populations. The planned projects will focus on developing and adapting interventions, assessing their acceptability and feasibility, and creating measures or methodologies for larger efficacy, effectiveness, or services research trials. Key areas include preventing substance misuse or disorder progression, researching treatment and recovery services with attention to co-occurring conditions such as pain and mental health disorders, and implementing HIV prevention and treatment strategies in relevant settings. Applicants are expected to ground their proposals in a clear theory of change or logic model and to engage stakeholders throughout the research process, including policymakers, practitioners, community members, and individuals with lived experience. Preliminary data is not mandatory, and the initiative encourages addressing knowledge gaps and strengthening partnerships. Although applications are not currently being solicited, this announcement serves to provide potential applicants with advance notice to develop collaborations and project ideas. The grant authority for this opportunity falls under specific U.S. Code sections related to public health initiatives.