NIH News and Updates

Upcoming NIH Funding Opportunities in Chronic Pain, OUD, and Implementation Science
 

USASP would like to share information from the NIH regarding two anticipated upcoming Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) related to chronic pain, opioid use disorder (OUD), and implementation science research.

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NIH anticipates releasing:

1. A clinical trial funding opportunity focused on executing a single hybrid implementation-effectiveness clinical trial examining collaborative care models and implementation strategies to better integrate chronic pain and OUD services across diverse healthcare settings.

2. A Coordination Center opportunity designed to support and connect research activities across this initiative.
    

Investigators should note:

• A Principal Investigator (PI) may submit multiple applications to the clinical trial NOFO.

• The same PI may also apply to both the clinical trial and Coordination Center opportunities.
   

While detailed NOFO information, including budget parameters, has not yet been released, NIH has indicated that both opportunities are progressing through review and are expected to be published. Although publication has been delayed from the original anticipated timeline, the submission deadline for both opportunities remains November 2, 2026, and is not expected to change regardless of the release date.
 

NIH also encouraged investigators to review:

• Commentary on engaging data end users in research

• Summary of IMPOWR Phase I funded science
   

These resources may be particularly helpful when considering project design, partnerships, and implementation strategies.
 

Researchers interested in pursuing either opportunity are encouraged to seek technical assistance from NIH program staff once they have drafted a Specific Aims page. Shelley (Zu-In) Su, PhD, welcomes investigators to reach out to discuss the fit and direction of proposed projects and can be contacted at shelley.su@nih.gov to schedule a 30-minute discussion.