SMART

Vision

The purpose of SMART is to recruit gifted URM or disadvantaged students and train them to become the next generation of elite substance misuse and addiction scientists. SMART specifically addresses NIH NIDA’s missions to (1) enhance the training of a workforce to meet national and global research needs; (2) encourage individuals from URM backgrounds to pursue careers in research; and (3) advance science on the causes of drug use, improve the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, and advance the research on URM who experience disproportionate consequences.

The SMART goal is to increase the number of highly skilled URM scholars who enter graduate degree programs focused on careers in substance misuse and addiction research. 

SMART aims to lead to the following outcomes (O): 
[O1] Short-term: Skilled and Productive URM Undergraduate Trainees who produce a manuscript, conference poster/presentation, and small travel award annually. 
[O2] Intermediate: Diverse Pipeline –More URM scholars in doctoral programs focused on drug misuse.  
[O3] Long-term: Training Report –That details challenges, and best practices for Substance Misuse Research Education programs aimed at increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.