NIH Funding Research on Tobacco Control Policies

Today, despite decades of progress, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable premature death in the U.S. The health effects of tobacco use, however, are not evenly distributed across the U.S. population. Members of health disparity communities experience disparate rates of both tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.

Because of the health risks tobacco use continues to pose, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a funding opportunity announcement for research which improves the effectiveness of existing tobacco prevention and control strategies as well as reduces disparities in commercial tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Because of the critical role of behavior in tobacco use and prevention, behavioral scientists should consider applying for this funding opportunity.

NIH has provided a list of potential research topics which fall within the scope of the opportunity:

1. Comprehensive smoke free policies (e.g., how to increase adoption and implementation of comprehensive smoke free policies in workplaces, multi-unit housing, homes, vehicles, parks, etc.);
2. Policies to reduce the appeal of tobacco products through advertising and marketing restrictions at the state or local level, or reduce the demand for tobacco products with various pricing interventions;
3. Policies related to coverage for tobacco dependence treatment (e.g., state, local and or federal policies affect access to, affordability, and use of cessation services among high risk populations, and the impact of surcharges on tobacco users);
4. Overarching policy environment (e.g., studies that examine the dynamic interplay of different tobacco prevention and control policies on tobacco use, how tobacco control policies may work together to reduce tobacco use among both youth and adults, focusing on how to accelerate progress in communities that have experienced slower declines in tobacco use, etc.); and
5. Innovative dissemination and implementation of research findings.

NIH will accept applications submitted by November 12, 2020. 30 days before the due date, applicants should submit a letter of intent.

Through this grant, NIH can provide awardees up to $275,000 over a two-year period. No more than $200,000 may be requested in a single year.

To learn more about NIH’s funding opportunity announcement “Tobacco Control Policies to Promote Health Equity,” click here.