Training future researchers in substance use disorders at CDU and UCLA
Official title: The Next Generation Substance Abuse Research Training at Charles R. Drew University (CDU) and UCLA (NGSART-CU)
Funded at Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci · NIH-10862765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds learn about substance use disorders through hands-on research, skill-building classes, and guidance from experienced mentors at Charles R. Drew University and UCLA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $271,108 |
| NIH project number | 5R25DA050723-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are underrepresented minority students and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing careers in substance use disorder research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in academic or research training programs may not directly benefit from this initiative.
What this research studies
This program focuses on training underrepresented minority researchers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in the field of substance use disorders. Participants, including undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students, will engage in hypothesis-driven research, skill development courses, and mentorship opportunities. They will work with experienced researchers at Charles R. Drew University and UCLA, choosing mentors from a diverse pool of senior faculty and community experts. The research topics will encompass various aspects of substance use disorders, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research training program could significantly increase the number of qualified researchers addressing substance use disorders, ultimately improving treatment and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous programs aimed at training minority researchers in health-related fields have shown success in increasing diversity and improving research outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Theodore C — Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Theodore C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Neurobiological signs of resilience and recovery from substance abuse in youth who faced childhood adversity
A long-term study will explore brain patterns in young people who faced childhood adversity to understand why some stay resilient and avoid substance problems.
-
Illuminating how brain peptides control withdrawal in methamphetamine use
A new NIH grant aims to build precise chemical tools to turn brain peptide signals on or off, helping people who are withdrawing from methamphetamine.
-
Molecular Pathways of Innate Immunity and Substance Abuse in NeuroHIV
A new project will explore how HIV and methamphetamine together cause brain inflammation, with the goal of understanding why some people living with HIV experience neurocognitive problems.
-
How neighborhood stigma and support relate to substance use and HIV risk for Black and Latino bisexual men
This project looks at how local stigma and supportive places in daily life relate to substance use and HIV risk among Black and Latino bisexual men.
-
How methamphetamine and immune signals affect the brain in people with HIV
This project tests whether methamphetamine together with HIV turns on a specific immune alarm pathway (cGAS/STING) in brain cells of people living with HIV who use methamphetamine.
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.