- INVEST Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship
The NIDA International Program INVEST Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship combines postdoctoral research training in the United States with professional development activities and grant-writing guidance to form a unique program for drug use and addiction scientists. Fellows may conduct their research in any aspect of the biomedical or behavioral science of drug use and addiction. Previous fellows have conducted research in basic biological and behavioral research, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Fellows and their mentors are encouraged to develop jointly and seek funding for a collaborative research project to be conducted in the fellow’s home country. Fellows and their U.S. mentors are part of a network of international scientists who exchange information and collaborate on drug use and addiction research nationally, regionally, and globally.
- INVEST/Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship
The NIDA International Program and the Center for Clinical Trials Network (CCTN) have joined forces to offer INVEST/CTN Fellowships to non-U.S. scientists who will work with a mentor affiliated with one of the CTN Regional Research and Training Centers.
The INVEST/CTN Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship combines postdoctoral research training in the United States with professional development activities and grant-writing guidance to form a unique program for drug use and addiction scientists. Fellows may conduct their research in any aspect of the CTN research agenda, such as intervention research, clinical trials methodology, or drug use treatment as HIV/AIDS prevention. Fellows and their mentors are encouraged to develop jointly and seek funding for a collaborative research project to be conducted in the fellow’s home country. Fellows and their U.S. mentors are part of a network of international scientists who exchange information and collaborate on drug use and addiction research nationally, regionally, and globally.
- INVEST Prevention Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship
The NIDA INVEST Prevention Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for researchers from any country to obtain postdoctoral training with a NIDA-supported U.S. mentor. Prevention Research Fellows benefit from an intensive research training experience designed to enhance the fellow’s ability to conduct independent research upon return to their home country. Applicants and their U.S. mentor may propose to conduct their research in any area of drug use and addiction prevention research, such as prevention intervention research, prevention services research, prevention methodology, or drug use and addiction prevention as HIV/AIDS prevention. During the fellowship, the fellow receives training in drug use and addiction research methods, develops and conducts a research project with the NIDA grantee, and participates in professional development activities. Fellows also learn about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant application process from their U.S. mentor who has successfully sought NIDA support. Prevention Research Fellows and their U.S. mentors join a network of international scientists who exchange information and collaborate on drug use and addiction research nationally, regionally, and globally.
What Does the Fellowship Include?
The 12-month fellowship provides:
- Rigorous postdoctoral research training with a NIDA grantee at a U.S. Institution*
*Under the INVEST/CTN Fellowship, the postdoctoral research training is with a NIDA grantee affiliated with one of the CTN Regional Research and Training Centers. - Professional development activities that help you establish personal relationships with NIDA grantees and NIDA officials who are willing to continue working with you after you return home.
- A stipend for living and personal expenses and an allowance to cover the cost of health insurance and professional development activities. The fellowship also provides air travel, for the fellow only, at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
- Fellows may apply to renew the fellowship once.
Who Is Eligible?
The requirements for applicants are:
- An earned doctoral degree in medicine, public health, or biomedical, behavioral, or social sciences.
- Postdoctoral research experience, including a demonstrated ability to engage in independent research (recommended 2 years of experience).
- Written assurance from an institution in the home country that there is a position to which the applicant can return after completing the fellowship.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Citizenship or permanent residency in a country other than the United States.
- Living and working outside the United States at the time the application is submitted.
- Eligibility for the J-1 visa to enter the United States.
Who Is Eligible To Be a Mentor?
Your mentor must be a NIDA-funded researcher in the United States. The mentor’s NIDA-funded grant must be active throughout the proposed fellowship period. Under the INVEST/CTN Fellowship, the mentor must also be affiliated with one of the CTN Regional Research and Training Centers. Under the INVEST Prevention Fellowship, the mentor’s research work must involve an aspect of drug use and addiction prevention research.
How Can I Find a Mentor?
First, write a brief summary of your goals for the fellowship. Outline your proposed research question, the scientific methods you will use to answer that question, and the data needed to complete your investigation. List the skills, techniques, or methods you wish to learn or improve during your fellowship.
This exercise will help you identify the search terms you can use to identify potential mentors. Search the RePORTER database of research projects supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), review peer-reviewed publications indexed by PubMed, consult the listing of previous INVEST fellows and mentors listing included below, or contact the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
Before contacting a potential mentor, you should:
- Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to ensure your information is current.
- Confirm your eligibility for the fellowship by emailing the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
- Learn more about the potential mentor you’ve identified, including scientific discipline and specific research interests, by reviewing the potential mentor’s publications, research background, and professional website.
When emailing a potential mentor:
- Discuss how your proposed research project is compatible with the mentor’s research.
- Provide information about your eligibility, educational and professional background (include your CV and list of publications), and the goals of your fellowship and research project.
- Do not contact more than two or three potential mentors at the same time.
What Materials Should I Use To Prepare My Application?
Assembling your INVEST application requires careful and thorough coordination between you and your mentor. Review the instruction packet for information guiding the development of your application.
- NIDA International Program Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship Application Instruction Packet (PDF, 275KB)
- NIDA International Program Fellowship Application Reference Form (PDF, 176KB)
In addition to completing the online application forms, you must upload a detailed research plan and your mentor must upload a statement approving the plan and discussing how the research and fellowship plans were developed. You are responsible for writing the research plan, and your mentor must review and approve your plan before you upload it. These documents are the most important parts of the Fellowship application and should demonstrate collaboration between you and your mentor. To request examples of previously awarded fellowship applications, please e-mail us at ip@nida.nih.gov.
How Should I Apply?
You and your mentor must submit your individual portions of the fellowship application online.
Application components include:
- A completed electronic application form, which includes the uploaded research plan and mentor statement.
- A completed Reference Report Form and a letter of recommendation from two professional references. The letters of recommendation should be on the references’ official institution letterhead. The references must email the completed Reference Report Form and letter of recommendation directly to the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
- The applicant must submit a Certification of doctoral degree(s) (including English translation if necessary). The Certification must be emailed directly to the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
- The applicant must submit a letter providing assurance of a future position with the applicant’s current employer; the letter should be on the employer’s official letterhead. The letter of assurance must be emailed directly to the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
- The mentor must submit a letter from an institution representative confirming the institution as a sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and the institution’s eligibility to prepare and issue the requisite Form DS-2019 for the INVEST applicant and his/her dependents. The Exchange Visitor Program sponsor confirmation letter must be emailed directly to the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
You and your mentor must complete all sections of the electronic application form and upload the research plan and the mentor statement by 4:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on or before the deadline for the application period. All additional supporting documents (e.g., certification of doctoral degree, references, etc.) must be submitted by email on or before the deadline for the application period.
- Start the Fellow's Online Application.
- Start the Mentor's Online Application.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Notification of Award: June 1, 2025
For assistance, email the NIDA International Program at ip@nida.nih.gov.
Who Has Been a Postdoctoral Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellow and Mentor?
- 2013 to 2023
Year Fellowship Fellow Mentor 2022 INVEST Ilia Nadareishvili
GeorgiaJeffrey Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Karsten Lunze, M.D., M.P.H., DrPH.
Boston Medical Center
Boston University School of MedicineGrace Scent
NigeriaWilliam Crano, Ph.D.
Claremont Graduate University2021 INVEST Darika Saingam
ThailandCarl Latkin, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins UniversityINVEST/CTN Laura Brandt
GermanyEdward Nunes, Ph.D.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute2020 INVEST Joao Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia
BrazilSilvia Martins, Ph.D.
Columbia UniversityLarissa Maier
SwitzerlandDorie Apollonio, Ph.D.
University of California, San FranciscoTekendra Rai
IndiaLinda Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H.
University of FloridaINVEST NIDA Inserm Lauren Reynolds
United StatesPhilippe Faure, Ph.D.
Neuroscience Paris Seine Institute, Sorbonne Université2019 INVEST/CTN Esperanza Romero Rodriguez
SpainRichard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston UniversityINVEST NIDA Inserm Lauren Reynolds
United StatesPhilippe Faure, Ph.D.
Neuroscience Paris Seine Institute, Sorbonne Université2018 INVEST Reza Ghanbari
IranSusan Sumner, Ph.D.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMarina Vetrova
RussiaJeffrey Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston Medical CenterINVEST/CTN Esperanza Romero Rodriguez
SpainRichard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston UniversityINVEST NIDA Inserm Marine Azevedo da Silva
FranceSilvia S. Martins, Ph.D.
Columbia UniversityAnissa Bara
FranceYasmin Hurd, Ph.D.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai2017 INVEST Judit Tirado-Munoz
SpainDaniel Werb, Ph.D.
University of California, San DiegoINVEST NIDA Inserm Marine Azevedo da Silva
FranceSilvia S. Martins, Ph.D.
Columbia UniversityAnissa Bara
FranceYasmin Hurd, Ph.D.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai2016 INVEST Reza Ghanbari
IranSusan Sumner, Ph.D.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillINVEST/CTN Anne Campbell
IrelandDennis McCarty, Ph.D.
Oregon Health & Science UniversityINVEST NIDA Inserm Yann Pelloux
FranceShaham Yavin, Ph.D.
NIDA Intramural Research Program, USAAndrew Scheyer
United StatesOlivier Jacques Jose Manzoni, Ph.D.
Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranee, France2015 INVEST Yanhui Liao
ChinaEdythe London, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesBulat Idrisov
RussiaJeffrey Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston Medical CenterRoy Otten
The NetherlandsThomas J. Dishion, Ph.D.
Arizona State UniversityINVEST/CTN Lysa Remy
BrazilGeorge E. Woody, M.D.
University of PennsylvaniaINVEST NIDA Inserm Celine Nicolas
FranceSatoshi Ikemoto, Ph.D.
NIDA Intramural Research Program, USAVivien Zell
FranceThomas Hnasko, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego, USAINVEST Prevention Annick Bórquez
Mexico/United KingdomNatasha K. Martin, Ph.D.
University of California, San DiegoNIDA-ANRS Rubén Muñoz
SpainKimberly Brouwer, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego2014 INVEST Jinsong Tang
ChinaEdythe London, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesINVEST/CTN Chandra Jha
AustraliaDennis M. Donovan, Ph.D.
University of WashingtonINVEST NIDA Inserm Vivien Zell
FranceThomas Hnasko, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego, USAYann Pelloux
FranceShaham Yavin, Ph.D.
NIDA Intramural Research ProgramAndrew Scheyer
United StatesOlivier Jacques Jose Manzoni, Ph.D.
Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranee, FranceNIDA-ANRS Nicholas Thomson
AustraliaChris Beyrer, M.D.
Johns Hopkins UniversityTrupti Ishwar Gilada
IndiaAnn Duerr, Ph.D., M.D., M.P.H.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of WashingtonAndrew Guise
United KingdomSteffanie Strathdee, Ph.D.
University of California, San DiegoErnest T. Chivero
ZimbabweShilpa Buch, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska Medical Center2013 INVEST Antonis Gardikiotis
GreeceWilliam D. Crano, Ph.D.
Claremont Graduate UniversityZulvia Syarif
IndonesiaMarek C. Chawarski, Ph.D.
Yale UniversityBilal Salem
Saudi ArabiaRichard A. Rawson, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesMakhbatsho Bakhromov
TajikistanCarl A. Latkin, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins UniversityMichel Verheij
The NetherlandsGeorge F. Koob, Ph.D.
The Scripps Research InstituteINVEST/CTN Haifeng Jiang
ChinaWalter Ling, M.D.
University of California, Los AngelesNIDA-IAS-ANRS Sin How Lim
MalaysiaFrederick L. Altice, M.D.
Yale UniversityFrancis Bajunirwe
UgandaDavid R. Bangsberg, M.D., M.P.H.
Harvard Medical SchoolAnh Dam Tran
VietnamGregory S. Zaric, Ph.D.
University of Western Ontario, CanadaBach Xuan Tran
VietnamCarl A. Latkin, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University- 2000 to 2012
Year Fellowship Fellow Mentor 2012 INVEST Jan Klimas
IrelandDennis McCarty, Ph.D.
Oregon Health & Science UniversitySujung Yoon
South KoreaPerry F. Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D.
The Brain Institute, University of UtahTetiana Kiriazova
UkraineJeffrey H. Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston Medical CenterNIDA-IAS Md. Salequl Islam Saleque
BangladeshGregory D. Kirk, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Johns Hopkins UniversityGeorgios Nikolopoulos
GreeceSamuel R. Friedman, Ph.D.
National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.Mehrak Javadi Paydar
IranRosemarie M. Booze, Ph.D.
University of South CarolinaSeyed Ramin Radfar
IranRichard A. Rawson, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesMakhbatsho Bakhromov
TajikistanJudith A. Levy, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago2011 INVEST Gabor Egervari
HungaryYasmin L. Hurd, Ph.D.
Mount Sinai School of MedicineSaeed Momtazi
IranRichard A. Rawson, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesHongqiang Sun
ChinaThomas R. Kosten, M.D.
Baylor College of MedicineArina Tyurina
RussiaJeffrey H. Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston Medical CenterINVEST/CTN Vivi Octavia Lubis
IndonesiaGeorge E. Woody, M.D.
University of PennsylvaniaINVEST Prevention Argentina Servin
MexicoSteffanie Strathdee, Ph.D., and Jay G. Silverman, Ph.D.
University of California, San DiegoNIDA-IAS Huaihui Zhang
ChinaRichard Schottenfeld, M.D.
Yale UniversityJinmei Meng
ChinaScott Burris, J.D.
Temple UniversityIko Safika
IndonesiaTimothy P. Johnson, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago2010 INVEST Perrine Roux
FranceSandra Comer, Ph.D.
Columbia UniversityMikhail Torban
RussiaRobert Heimer, Ph.D.
Yale UniversityHuaihui Zhang
ChinaRichard Schottenfeld, M.D.
Yale UniversityINVEST/CTN Cecile Denis
FranceJohn Cacciola, Ph.D., and Charles O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D.
University of PennsylvaniaSergii Dvoriak
UkraineGeorge E. Woody, M.D.
University of PennsylvaniaMaria de L. Garcia-Anaya
MexicoEdward V. Nunes, Jr., M.D.
New York State Psychiatric Institute
José Szapocznik, Ph.D.
University of MiamiRushit Ismajli
KosovoDennis M. Donovan, Ph.D.
University of WashingtonEffatalsadat Merghati Kohei
IranKathleen T. Brady, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical University of South CarolinaXuyi Wang
ChinaWalter Ling, M.D.
University of California, Los AngelesNIDA-IAS Shusen Liu
ChinaZunyou Wu, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, ChinaAdhi Nurhidayat
IndonesiaDavid Metzger, Ph.D.
University of PennsylvaniaElena Dukhovlinova
RussiaRonald I. Swanstrom, Ph.D.
University of North Carolina in Chapel HillJonathan Claude Ipser
South AfricaIgor Grant, M.D., FRCP(C)
University of California, San Diego2009 INVEST Marta Concheiro Guisan
SpainMarilyn Huestis, Ph.D.
NIDA Intramural Research ProgramSheng Liu
ChinaGary S. Aston-Jones, Ph.D.
Medical University of South CarolinaAlberto Moriggia
ItalyDavid L. Thomas, M.D.
Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineINVEST/CTN Suzanne Nielsen
AustraliaWalter Ling, M.D.
University of California, Los AngelesFelipe Vallejo Reyes
ChileEugene Somoza, M.D., Ph.D.
University of CincinnatiMeera Vaswani
IndiaWade Berrettini, M.D., Ph.D.
University of PennsylvaniaNIDA-IAS Micah Ongeri Oyaro
KenyaJohn L. Wylie, Ph.D.
University of Manitoba, CanadaMaria Gudelia Rangel
MexicoSteffanie Strathdee, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego2008 INVEST Jiang Du
ChinaHser Yih-Ing, Ph.D.
University of California, Los AngelesPaula M. Mayock
IrelandMichael C. Clatts, Ph.D.
National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.Adhi Wibowo Nurhidayat
IndonesiaDavid Metzger, Ph.D., and George E. Woody, M.D.
University of PennsylvaniaAkiko Shimamoto Kiyoshima
JapanKlaus A. Miczek, Ph.D.
Tufts UniversityPaulo Roberto Telles P. Diaz
BrazilKimberly Page Shafer, Ph.D.
Institute for Global Health/CAPS, University of California, San FranciscoWenhua Zhou
ChinaPeter Kalivas, Ph.D.
Medical University of South CarolinaINVEST/CTN Leonardo Estacio, Jr.
PhilippinesDennis M. Donovan, Ph.D.
University of WashingtonMario Zapata
ColombiaMichael Robbins, Ph.D.
University of Miami2007 INVEST Wagner Alves de Souza Judice
BrazilIris Lindberg, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Louisiana State University and the University of Maryland, BaltimoreDoug Hyun Han
South KoreaPerry F. Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D.
McLean Brain Imaging Center and Harvard Medical SchoolSung-Jin Cho
South KoreaAlan P. Kozikowski, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at ChicagoINVEST/CTN Amit Chakrabarti
IndiaRoger Weiss, M.D.
McLean HospitalGvantsa Piralishvili
GeorgiaGeorge E. Woody, M.D.
University of PennsylvaniaChen Hanhui
ChinaWalter Ling, M.D.
University of California, Los Angeles2006 INVEST Tsafrir Loebl
IsraelA. Eden Evins, M.D., M.P.H.
Addictions Research Program, Massachusetts General HospitalOscar Quintela
SpainDennis Crouch, M.B.A.
Center for Human Toxicology, University of Utah
J. Michael Walsh, Ph.D.
The Walsh GroupMaciej Stasiak
PolandNicholas E. Goeders, Ph.D.
Louisiana State University, Health Sciences Center - ShreveportYoung Hoon Sung
South KoreaPerry F. Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D.
McLean Brain Imaging Center2005 INVEST Marco Bortolato
ItalyDaniele Piomelli, Ph.D., Pharm.D.
University of California, IrvineLan Zhang
ChinaKenneth Kendler, M.D.
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLiliana Cancela
ArgentinaPeter W. Kalivas, Ph.D.
Medical University of South Carolina2004 INVEST Marjaterttu Pajulo
FinlandLinda C. Mayes, M.D.
Yale University School of MedicineYufeng Chen
ChinaAlan P. Kozikowski, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago2003 INVEST Isabelle Husson
FranceBarry E. Kosofsky, M.D., Ph.D.
Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital EastTamo Nakamura
AustraliaAnthony A. Wright, Ph.D.
University of Texas Medical School at HoustonYilang Tang
ChinaJoseph F. Cubells, M.D., Ph.D.
Yale University School of Medicine2002 INVEST Debasish Basu
IndiaJoel Gelernter, M.D.
Yale UniversityPatricia Obando
Costa RicaDace Svikis, Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityTatiana P. Tsarouk
RussiaElaine Thompson, Ph.D.
University of Washington, SeattleMin Zhao
ChinaHoward Liddle, Ed.D.
University of Miami School of Medicine2001 INVEST Henrik Druid
SwedenDeborah C. Mash, Ph.D.
University of MiamiChuang Liu
ChinaElliot A. Stein, Ph.D
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee1999-2000 INVEST Abdel Azim Assi
EgyptCharles I. Chavkin, Ph.D.
University of Washington, SeattleElisa Mengual
SpainVirginia M. Pickel, Ph.D.
Weill Medical College of Cornell UniversityVaughan Rees
AustraliaJeffrey H. Samet, M.D., M.P.H.
Boston University School of Medicine- 1994 to 1999
Year Fellowship Fellow Mentor 1998-99 INVEST You Wan
ChinaJeffrey S. Mogil, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignNeo Morojele
South AfricaJudith S. Brook, Ed.D.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine1997-98 INVEST Guilherme Borges
MexicoRonald C. Kessler, Ph.D.
Harvard Medical SchoolYulia Lyupina
RussiaJames E. Smith, Ph.D.
Wake Forest University School of MedicineOlivier Manzoni
FranceJohn T. Williams, Ph.D.
Oregon Health Sciences University1996-97 INVEST Silvia Cruz
MexicoRobert L. Balster, Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRaka Jain
IndiaStephen G. Holtzman, Ph.D. (deceased)
Emory University School of MedicineDanxin Wang
ChinaWolfgang Sadée, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco1995-96 INVEST Bashir Ahmad
PakistanNissar A. Darmani, Ph.D.
Kirksville College of Osteopathic MedicineIrena Martin-Kleiner
CroatiaJean M. Bidlack, Ph.D.
University of RochesterSteve McGaraughty
CanadaMary M. Heinricher, Ph.D.
Oregon Health Sciences UniversityZhengxiong Xi
ChinaElliot A. Stein, Ph.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee1994-95 INVEST Anton Bespalov
RussiaRobert L. Balster, Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineSuchandra Ghosh
IndiaMartin A. Adler, Ph.D.
Temple University School of MedicineElla Nikulina
RussiaKlaus A. Miczek, Ph.D.
Tufts University1993-94 INVEST Yaprak Egilmez
TurkeyMichael Emmett Oglesby, Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science CenterGerald Zernig
AustriaJames H. Woods, Ph.D.
University of Michigan Medical School