Project Guidelines and Examples

For the Mentor-Facilitated Training Award, NIDA and the ACMT encourage clinically relevant applications with a focus on treatment of SUDs and the dissemination of research findings of evidence-based practices into clinical settings. To this end, awardees will develop and execute a plan designed to increase their own clinical knowledge of the management of SUD, especially OUD. They will then design and complete a project aimed at the dissemination of existing SUD treatment research findings.

This award cannot be used to conduct basic or clinical research studies or trials. Secondary data analysis of treatment research datasets may be completed in pursuit of award goals, provided the project proposed is eligible for Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption and displays merit to impact on or increase the adoption of evidence-based practices.

Examples of appropriate activities and projects include but are not limited to:

• Identify curriculum training gaps in SUD and choose research findings and/or products developed by NIDA or other professional associations that could bridge such gaps. Disseminate the identified information through a series of lectures, seminars, etc.
• Develop materials that could be used for quality improvement or integration of an evidence-based approach or process in the management of SUD in a medical setting and conduct activities for quality improvement.
• Analyze de-identified data from completed clinical trials such as those found on the NIDA Data Share website to inform dissemination efforts; characterize the availability of data on substance use or practice patterns; identify gaps in the provision of evidence-based practices; and identify needs for dissemination.
• Other activities consistent with the goals of the Dissemination Initiative to accelerate the dissemination of research findings into clinical practice.

Examples of recent dissemination projects created by awardees are available on request. Please email awards@acmt.net for examples. 

Program Activities and Requirements

MFT Individual Meeting: The awardee and mentor(s) will participate in a virtual meeting to discuss the expectations of the program.

Check-In Meetings: Awardees are required to participate in three virtual group check-in meetings to discuss the progress of their dissemination projects.

Progress and Final Reports: The awardee and mentor(s) are required to submit a 6-month narrative progress report and a final narrative report at the end of the performance period. Failure to provide the report may negatively impact your institution’s ability to apply for future awards. These reports will be submitted to ACMT for subsequent submission to NIDA. If the awardee’s project is not completed at the end of the designated performance period, and appropriate approvals to continue have been granted, the final report must still be submitted as an outline of work done and projections for work/expenditures remaining.

ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting: Attendance is expected at the ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting & Symposia, where the awardees will present a poster abstract of their work following the completion of the award. Award funds may be used to pay for travel and lodging expenses.

NIDA CTN Steering Committee Meeting: The awardee is expected to attend the NIDA CTN Steering Committee Meeting. Mentors are also encouraged to attend. Award funds may be used to pay for travel and lodging expenses.

Publications: Publications will acknowledge the support of NIDA and the ACMT. All work supported by the NIDA CTN Mentor-Facilitated Training Award should be made available to the public and scientific community through approved scientific channels such as national meetings and peer-reviewed publications. Two reprints of each publication should be forwarded to ACMT for subsequent submission to NIDA.

Please do not submit an incomplete application. An application will be considered incomplete if it is illegible, if it fails to follow instructions, or if the material presented is insufficient to permit an adequate review. The application consists of the following sections:

• ABSTRACT: Provide a brief summary of the project proposal and any associated activities (e.g., coursework, other technical training). Include rationale, specific aims, and significance.
• CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Write a statement outlining your qualifications, experiences, and motivation for pursuing the mentor-facilitated training.
• PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 1. Background Information – Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that your project addresses. Explain how your project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice. 2. Objectives – State concisely the specific objectives of your project (e.g., create a novel curriculum, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical practice, or address a critical barrier to progress in the field). 3. Proposed Methods or Activities – Describe your overall strategy, methodology, and how you will evaluate your project’s success. Discuss potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success. If the project is in the early stages of development, describe your strategy to establish feasibility and manage any risks to the proposed work.
• PROJECT PROTOCOL: Describe how you aim to achieve your project objectives.
• TIMELINE FOR THE AWARD YEAR: Specify the expected milestones and activities for each month throughout the award year. Describe how you and your mentor will work together to meet the goals of your project and how your mentor will monitor your progress.
• BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Include current biographical sketches for you and your mentor(s).
• OTHER SUPPORT: If applicable, provide a list of other associates or consultants and describe how they will contribute to your project. Tell us about facilities and support available to you through your institution (e.g., assistance with statistical calculations).
• BUDGET AND JUSTIFICATION: Indicate how the money will be spent. Justify all major expenditures. Include estimated travel expenses.
• LITERATURE CITED: Include a list of references cited in the application.
• LETTER DETAILING FUNDING HISTORY: Explain any current or previous funding received.
• LETTERS OF SUPPORT: Include letters of support from the mentor(s), your department chairs or appropriate program director affirming their support for your participation in the MFT program.