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This is a summary of feedback received in response to Request for Information (RFI) NOT-AA-24-012: “Harmonization of research metrics on alcohol use, misuse, pathology, and mortality internationally.”
Introduction
Responses were received by email with variability in format, length, and how the responses were laid out. Therefore, in order to provide a consistent summary of all responses to share with the public, we used NIH Community Chatbot, CHIRP, to 1). Summarize each of the responses received (see question 1 below), and 2). Provide an overall summary of all responses using titles created by question 1 (see question 2 below). Responses are sorted in the order they were received.
Question 1: Write a scientific summary of the information included in each of the emails and associated files as follows: A. Write a title (30 words maximum) reflecting the scientific content, B. summarize content using the following sections as output: section 1. Background, section 2. Proposed research, section 3. Conclusion. Finally, write information about the contributor(s).
Question 2: Use the title’s text from all summaries to create a 250-word (max) summary that provides an overview of all the topics of interest related to “Harmonization of research metrics on alcohol use, misuse, pathology, and mortality internationally.”
Importantly, summaries below should not be interpreted as research proposals. Rather, they reflect the scientific interest, and priorities, of the research community to address the questions described in Request for Information (RFI) NOT-AA-24-012 and may lead to scientific collaborations through appropriate channels, e.g., How to Apply – Application Guide | Grants & Funding. Responses that were in the form of a letter of intent, or a detailed research proposal are not included in the summary below, since they were deemed not relevant to the RFI.
Overall Summary
This is a summary of all diverse topics proposed by respondents to RFI NOT-AA-24-012 to contribute to the international efforts to harmonize research metrics on alcohol use, misuse, pathology, and mortality. Key areas of focus include standardizing definitions and measurement tools—such as “standard drink” and risk thresholds—across countries to improve epidemiological comparability and policy translation. Research highlights the need for culturally adapted self-report instruments (e.g., AUDIT-C), objective biomarkers (e.g., phosphatidylethanol), and digital health tools to enable reliable, internationally comparable data collection, including in resource-limited settings and among specific populations (e.g., ethnic minorities, HIV cohorts, and the homeless).
Efforts extend to harmonizing diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders and alcohol-related neurocognitive impairments, leveraging approaches like Item Response Theory, core outcome sets, and consensus-driven definitions. The integration of biological, behavioral, and cognitive biomarkers is emphasized for robust stratification and improved understanding of heterogeneity in alcohol-related outcomes. Special attention is given to secondhand harms from alcohol and other substances, craving and cue-reactivity assessment, and the standardization of outcome measures in intervention studies.
Cross-national collaborations are actively exploring multidimensional, translational strategies, including preclinical biobanking, neuroimaging, and noninvasive neuromodulation, to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms and inform personalized treatments. Comparative studies in specialized contexts—such as Housing First programs for the homeless, stroke rehabilitation, and cannabidiol (CBD) interventions—underscore the need for harmonized metrics across diverse healthcare systems and populations. Overall, these initiatives aim to foster international consensus, enhance data quality, and support effective, evidence-based public health responses to the global burden of alcohol use and related harms.
Individual Responses
Open this pdf to see a summary of each individual response received [PDF – 322.32 KB].