Implementation of a Pilot Project Program to Expand Research on Alcohol Use Disorders in American Indian and Alaska...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Substance Abuse Research

Background:

• Pilot project programs are crucial for early-stage investigators, especially those from underrepresented groups, to secure funding and gain experience in community-based participatory research.
• The Native Center for Alcohol Research and Education (NCARE) established a Pilot Project Core to support such initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure, function, and impact of the NCARE Pilot Project Core.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program in supporting alcohol use disorder research in partnership with Tribal communities.

Main Methods:

• Recruited research investigators for alcohol use disorder research in partnership with Tribal communities through four application calls (2018-2021).
• Prioritized early-stage and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) investigators.
• Implemented a rigorous review process involving letters of intent and full applications.

Main Results:

• Awarded eight pilot projects, with a majority led by early-stage scholars, females, and AI/AN investigators.
• Funded projects focused on epidemiological studies and intervention development.
• Supported investigators in securing research approvals, addressing methodological questions, and progressing through project phases.
• Led to 36 grant proposals, 25 awarded grants (four directly related to pilot funding), and four peer-reviewed publications.

Conclusions:

• Despite COVID-19 challenges, the NCARE pilot program successfully supported eight projects, with significant representation from AI/AN investigators.
• The program demonstrates a successful model for supporting underrepresented early-stage investigators in scientific research.
• Pilot funding facilitated substantial success in securing external grants and disseminating research findings.