NIDA-Funded T32 Research Training in Substance Use Prevention

About the program

Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), our T32 training program prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows to conduct research aimed at reducing the gap between real-world practice and evidence-based interventions targeting substance use prevention. Through a combination of coursework and research apprenticeships with interdisciplinary faculty, fellows receive advanced training in substance use prevention, implementation science, digital interventions and innovative research methodology. 

Trainees engage in studies designed to improve the successful uptake, adaptation and sustainability of preventive interventions in community settings. Training faculty bring particular expertise in research with ethnically diverse populations and in cutting-edge quantitative methods. 
 

Program goal

To build a scientific workforce capable of closing the gap between research on substance use prevention and real-world practice. 
 

Training focus 

Our program provides translational research training in substance use prevention. Trainees develop skills in rigorous and reproducible science, ethics, grant writing, and research dissemination.
 

The REACH Institute

The program is housed in ASU’s Reach Institute. REACH brings together an interdisciplinary group of prevention and implementation scientists from across the university to accelerate the translation of research into practice and improve public health outcomes.

Translational research focus

Our training program emphasizes research spanning the continuum from etiology to intervention delivery and real-world implementation. 

1. Epidemiology and Etiology of Substance Use and Addiction (SU/A) 
   Research explores developmental, genetic, neurobiological, interpersonal, and environmental pathways underlying substance use and addiction.
    
2. Intervention Development and Efficacy Testing 
   Faculty design, adapt, and test evidence-based prevention programs to optimize their reach, cost-effectiveness, and real-world impact.
    
3. Effectiveness and Implementation in Service Delivery Settings
   Trainees study how proven interventions can be scaled in real-world systems. Projects emphasize community-engaged approaches, technology-based adaptations, implementation strategies, and sustaining interventions within service systems.
    
4. Community-Engaged and Culturally Responsive Research
   Participate in research to improve the cultural and contextual relevance of preventive interventions
    
5. Digital Health Technologies
   Fellows utilize digital tools to enhance prevention and implementation. These technologies support scalability, accessibility, personalization, and real-time data collection.
    
6. Advanced Methodology 
   Training emphasizes state-of-the-art quantitative and mixed-methods approaches

Team science and mentorship model

The program is built on a collaborative team science framework. Trainees work closely with multiple mentors to integrate diverse perspectives, strengthen research skills, and promote innovation. This model ensures comprehensive training and prepares scholars to succeed in today’s interdisciplinary research environment.

ASU Charter and Design Aspirations

Our T32 program is deeply aligned with Arizona State University's Charter and Design Aspirations, which guide how we train the next generation of prevention and implementation scientists.