PROJECT SUMMARY There is an ongoing need to address underrepresentation of American Indian and Alaska Native (Indigenous) researchers in the public health workforce. The National Institute on Drug Abuse Racial Equity Initiative recognizes an overall lack of racial/ethnic diversity in drug use research and need for mentoring, funding, training, and retention of diverse researchers. The Pilot Project Core of the proposed CIRCLE Center (P50) will address this need with pilot project funding for Indigenous and allied researchers working specifically on topics related to substance use inequities in partnership with Indigenous communities. The Pilot Project Core leadership team has demonstrated successful collaboration in the mentorship of new and early-stage Indigenous researchers and will be supported by the Administrative Core to carry out its objectives and specific aims to: 1) determine priorities and barriers to launching independent substance use research careers that can be addressed via CIRCLE Pilot Project funding; 2) create a review process for CIRCLE Pilot Project applications to encourage innovations, special projects, and new directions to reduce substance use disparities and advance Indigenous health equity; and 3) promote synergy with the CIRCLE Research Core and Workgroups to support Pilot Project awardees. Listening sessions will drive development of the pilot project application process. A review team with representatives from the CIRCLE investigative team, CIRCLE Community Research Councils, and other subject area experts will evaluate pilot project applications to ensure selection of projects that are poised for success and aligned with CIRCLE's overall goals and aims. The Pilot Project Core is designed to leverage resources from the other CIRCLE Cores that will promote optimal mentorship and networking opportunities for funded pilot researchers. Participation in the CIRCLE annual meeting sponsored by the Administrative Core, training in research methodologies sponsored by the Research Core, attendance at CIRCLE meetings (e.g., Quarterly Collaboratives), and participation in didactic meetings and workshops aimed at conducting research to the highest ethical and administrative standards possible will ensure that the Pilot Project Core is supporting new and early-stage researchers in substance use science launch successful careers.