Improving how policymakers use research to prevent substance misuse
Official title: Building the Science of Evidence-Informed Prevention Policy: A Multi-level Model for Supporting Substance Misuse Prevention
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11051899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help state lawmakers use the best scientific information when making laws to prevent substance misuse, and it’s designed for anyone interested in how research can improve policies that affect our communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $745,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in states where policymakers are actively engaged in substance misuse prevention efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the participating states or who are not affected by substance misuse issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a structured approach to help state policymakers effectively use scientific evidence when crafting legislation related to substance misuse prevention. By implementing the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model, the project will engage both researchers and policymakers in a systematic way, enhancing their collaboration and understanding of prevention research. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial across 30 state legislatures to assess how well this model improves policymakers' awareness and application of research findings in their decision-making processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective substance misuse prevention policies that are grounded in scientific evidence, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar collaborative models has shown success in enhancing the relationship between researchers and policymakers, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crowley, Daniel Max — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Crowley, Daniel Max
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.