New funding announced today will support the ‘next generation of research talent to tackle drug and alcohol addiction’.
In a press release published on 12 September 2025, the UK Government shared the news that the SSA has been chosen to deliver the Addiction Healthcare Goals Research Leadership Programme – “providing funding for academic and career development programmes tailored to the specific demands of the addiction research field”.
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones CBE, President of the Society for the Study of Addiction, said:
“The Society for the Study of Addiction is proud to support the next generation of addiction science leaders in partnership with Addiction Healthcare Goals and the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences. The unprecedented investment announced today will enable the addiction science community to attract skilled and passionate people to the workforce, and accelerate efforts to develop evidence-based solutions that improve lives.”
This flagship scheme will help to deliver on the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan by bolstering the nation’s research capabilities and capacity.
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
“Addiction is devastating lives across the UK every day. By backing the future leaders of addiction research, we are laying the groundwork for the vital, evidence-based prevention measures and treatments we need.”
“We know that exceptional talent can be found all over the country. That’s why this programme will look to every corner of the UK for researchers with high potential to pioneer addiction research that could save countless lives and save billions to be reinvested in our public services and economy.”
Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes, Chair of the Addiction Healthcare Goals, said:
“Addiction is associated with immense personal, mental and physical health and societal impacts. Research to develop innovative approaches plays a vital part in reducing such harms and improving treatment outcomes. To deliver such improvements, the Addiction Healthcare Goals is pleased to support more opportunities to those wishing to develop a research career in the addiction field through partnerships with MRC, NIHR and Society for the Study of Addiction. We are keen to support development of a wide range of professions and skills to ensure sustainability and leadership in this critical area.”
More information will follow soon about funding opportunities under the flagship scheme.
