The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the availability of funds for research on female-specific issues in all areas of drug misuse.

This gender-specific research should focus on "mechanisms, origins, and consequences of drug abuse, as well as prevention and treatment interventions and services" among female addicts, according to the NIH. Programs are expected to vary widely in both size and scope, and will be funded under both the R03 small-grant application and the larger R21 exploratory/developmental grant mechanism.

For-profit, nonprofit and faith-based or community organizations, as well as public and private institution of higher education, and state, town, and Native American governments, are eligible to apply for this grant. Small businesses may not apply.

Deadline for applications vary. Grant awards range from up to $50,000 for the R03 mechanism to up to $200,000 for the R21. For more information on each, view the R03 and R21 opportunities online.