D-START: Data Science Track Award for Research Transition (D/START) (R03-Clinical Trial Optional)

Data science is an important cross-cutting research approach in the 2022 - 2026 NIDA Strategic Plan and increasing the capacity of experts in addiction related data science is critical. The purpose of this Notice is to facilitate the entry of investigators to the area of addiction-related data science, including newly independent data scientists or established investigators seeking to incorporate novel and cutting-edge data science methodologies into their research programs for the first time. Through this opportunity, investigators will propose to apply emerging data science methods to answer critical questions requiring advanced data analytic strategies. Projects should be small in scale and answer specific research questions or provide preliminary data for a larger scale project. Applicants are encouraged to use existing datasets, follow FAIR principles, and, when applicable, attend to ethical concerns in the conduct of research involving human subjects. Ultimately, the aim is to expedite the development of robust research programs focused on the convergence of innovative data science techniques and addiction research, with initial projects serving as precursors for subsequent, more expansive research projects.