NIDA REI: Research at Minority Serving Institutions on Neurocognitive Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Structural Racism on the Substance Use Trajectory (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)

The NIDA REI grant focuses on research at Minority Serving Institutions. The research is centered around the neurocognitive mechanisms impacted by structural racism, particularly as it relates to substance use trajectories. This grant allows, but does not require, the carrying out of clinical trials (R61/R33). The overarching project, labelled as NEPS Concept # 1862, aims to encourage preliminary basic research on two key areas. Firstly, it looks at interpersonal racism and the effects it can have on an individual's neurocognition. The second part of the research aims to dissect the complex impact of structural racism, breaking it down into more manageable sub-components to better understand its overall effect on neurocognition. It places a specific emphasis on using this information to develop preventive interventions against drug use and abuse.