2026 Rutgers Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies (CAS) Pilot Funding
The Developmental/Pilot Projects Program of the Rutgers Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies (CAS) started in 2019. The Program aims to support new and innovative interdisciplinary research relevant to the advancement of co-production of prevention, treatment, and recovery supports that address substance use, mental health, and trauma related challenges.
Funding support is prioritized for:
- Doctoral dissertations
- Junior researchers, including post-docs, as well as established investigators new to translational addiction science; and
- Research that is thematically aligned with the Center’s mission
Budget: Proposals should range between $2,000.00 – $6,000.00 total costs. This is a one-year award.
Eligibility for Doctoral Students:
Doctoral students who are actively enrolled in a PsyD or PhD or equivalent doctoral program are eligible to apply for the pilot funds award. To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be in good academic standing and have completed all necessary coursework toward their doctoral degree.
- The proposed project must be relevant to the students’ area of research and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field. Priority will be given to projects that align with the key research themes or areas of focus for the funding body.
- Each applicant must have a faculty sponsor who will oversee the project and provide mentorship throughout its duration. The sponsor should be a full-time faculty member within the student’s department or program, and their role is to ensure that the project is feasible and aligns with the student’s academic and research goals.
Eligibility for Faculty, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Scientist, or NTT/TT Faculty Member Pilot Funds Award:
- The corresponding PI must be a faculty member (NTT/TT)
- Postdoctoral fellows and research scientists are eligible to apply as PIs but must have a faculty member serve as the corresponding PI to oversee the project.
- Collaborative, interdisciplinary projects are highly encouraged, particularly those that bring together diverse perspectives to address complex research challenges.
- All applicants must be actively engaged in research and have a proven track record or emerging potential in their field of study.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
October 12, 2026 – Letter of intent due. See details below.
October 18, 2026 – Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. Specific details will be provided to invited applicants. Proposals will follow a typical NIH application format (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Innovation, Approach).
November 19, 2026– Full proposal due (4 pages maximum)
December 14, 2026 – Anticipated award notification.
Project Period: January 1, 2026– December 30, 2026 (project start date dependent on IRB approval and disbursement of funds).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
- The LOI should outline the research team, title of the proposal, and an explicit description about how the applicant meets the eligibility requirement.
- A Specific Aims page must also be included and should include sufficient detail so that CAS leadership team can assess whether the proposal would be considered responsive to the RFA.
- The LOI should be emailed to Dr. Margaret Swarbrick (swarbrma@rutgers.edu)
Submit to Dr. Margaret Swarbrick (swarbrma@rutgers.edu)