Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This NIH funding opportunity supports the career development of individuals with a clinical doctoral degree who are committed to patient-oriented research (POR). The program provides a sustained period (3–5 years) of “protected time” for mentored research and career development activities, with the goal of fostering the next generation of independent clinical investigators. This specific opportunity does not allow applicants to lead independent clinical trials, but candidates may propose research experiences within a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

The K23 award is designed to:

• Encourage research-oriented clinicians to develop advanced research skills.
• Increase the pool of clinical researchers translating biomedical discoveries into clinical settings.
• Support the transition to research independence in patient-oriented research.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply. Upcoming cycles include:
  • June 12, 2025 (New applications)
  • July 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • September 7, 2025 (AIDS-related applications)
  • October 12, 2025 (New)
  • November 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • January 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • Additional cycles continue through May 2027

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for corrections.

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Funding Amount

• Award Duration: Up to 5 years.
• Budget: Composed of salary and other program-related expenses (e.g., tuition, research supplies, travel, statistical services).
• Salary: Provided as per the participating NIH Institute/Center (IC) guidelines (see IC-specific information).
• Indirect Costs: Reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.

The number of awards is contingent on NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Individuals: Must have a clinical doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, PharmD, clinical PhD, etc.) and have completed clinical training (specialty and, if applicable, subspecialty) before award. U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents only.
• Eligible Organizations:
  • Public and private higher education institutions
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, local, and tribal governments
  • Independent school districts, public housing authorities, and certain faith-based/community organizations
• Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.
• Effort Requirement: Minimum 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) must be devoted to the award.
• Mentor Requirement: Applicants must identify a primary mentor with a strong track record in patient-oriented research and mentoring.

Note: Current/former PDs/PIs on major NIH research or career development awards (e.g., R01, K01, K08, K23, K99/R00) are not eligible.

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must register with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. PD/PI must have an eRA Commons account and an ORCID iD.
• Application Components:
  • SF424 (R&R) forms
  • PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form (including candidate background, career goals, research plan, mentor statements, institutional commitment)
  • Letters of reference (submitted separately via eRA Commons)
  • Data Management and Sharing Plan
• Page Limits: Follow NIH application guide and page limits.
• Review: Applications are peer-reviewed for scientific merit, candidate potential, career development plan, research plan, mentoring, and institutional environment.

Consult the Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts to ensure your application aligns with the participating NIH IC’s priorities and requirements.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: This opportunity does not allow applicants to lead independent clinical trials. However, gaining experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor is permitted.
• Institutional Commitment: The sponsoring institution must provide a strong research environment and a clear commitment to the candidate’s development.
• Level of Effort: At least 75% of full-time professional effort must be devoted to the award.
• Mentoring: A strong, experienced mentor (or mentoring team) is required.
• Data Sharing: All applicants must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted by the deadline.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (PA-24-185)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts
• NIH K23 Activity Code Information
• NIH Application Guide

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Contact Information

For full details and additional contacts, see the full announcement.