The NIDA Office of Research Training, Diversity, and Disparities (ORTDD) is excited to share that the 2025 NIDA Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) program is now accepting applications!  The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025! NIDA is seeking applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, who are interested in conducting substance use and addiction research. The NDSN is a grant-writing program aimed at enhancing the funding success of early-stage investigators. The program consists of three workshops and culminates in a mock review meeting experience. Questions? Contact Isabela Ellenwood (NDSN@nih.gov). Learn more and apply here!

Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, Health System Node faculty, and Research Scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, co-authored a new report examining the problem of increasing potency of cannabis and cannabis products as a member of an independent scientific committee convened by the California Department of Public Health. The report, Report and Recommendations of the High Potency Cannabis Think Tank to the State of California, shares health and equity-based policy recommendations to increase public awareness, promote safer use and reduce exposure to the highest risk groups. Download the full report | Download highlights (including Top Ten Recommended Policies by Likely Greatest Impact on Adverse Outcomes) Gwen Lapham,…

NIDA’s Office of Research Training, Diversity, and Disparities offers paid summer research internships to expose undergraduate students to the field of substance use and addiction research. Selected students work with distinguished scientists at research institutions across the United States for eight weeks during the summer. Internships involve hands-on experiences that may include laboratory experiments, data collection, data analysis, formal courses, participation in lab meetings, patient interviews, manuscript preparation, library research, literature reviews, and more. This effort is intended to provide opportunities for talented students, particularly those who have fewer opportunities for research experience available to them. Eligibility Must be an undergraduate student in good standing at the time of the…

David Scott, Appalachian Node CTN-0100 Project Coordinator and CIRCL member, moderated a plenary session, Spectrums in Recovery and Treatment, at the AMERSA annual meeting in Chicago, November 2024.  The session, attended by the 800 conference participants, featured a panel of three individuals with lived experience who are national leaders in advocating and supporting individuals who use drugs.  Laura Lander, MSW, LICSW gave an interview to Lori Kersey of West Virginia Watch about SB 2028 on October 22, 2024, a bill written and signed into Law by the governor on October 18th to support NIDA CTN research studies being able to dispense study medication. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Takubo.…

Charged with leading scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities, NIMHD is launching the development of the 2026 – 2030 NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan. The NIH wants to hear your experiences, insights and ideas to help shape the future of minority health and health disparities research efforts. Share your input on the new strategic plan at upcoming community virtual townhalls and respond to the newly released Request for Information (NOT-MD-25-002; deadline December 31, 2024). These important opportunities are open to all. Join NIH in working to improve minority health, reduce health disparities, promote health equity and create a more inclusive, healthier future for…

CTN-0150 (TOME) study is completed! The CTN-OVN has successfully completed the CTN-0150 (TOME; LI – Winhusen) study activities and is now heading into data analysis.  This study was part of the supplemental IMPROVE funds from NIDA and the NICHD awarded to the OVN to utilize the CTN-0080 study as a platform to collect additional data regarding Opioid Use Disorder in pregnant/postpartum populations.  TOME included two objectives:  1) to evaluate the ability of the Personally-Tailored Opioid-overdose and Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) Education (TOME) intervention to increase MOUD and opioid-overdose knowledge in pregnant and postpartum (PP) persons (Primary), and 2) to evaluate the ability of TOME to decrease MOUD-related internalized…