Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports promising researchers for 3-5 years with salary and time for focused research, excluding clinical trials.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 12, 2025 (New) | July 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | September 7, 2025 (AIDS) | October 12, 2025 (New) | November 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
Funding Amounts: 3–5 years of salary support and limited research expenses; award budgets vary by NIH Institute/Center and are based on salary and program needs.
Summary: Provides newly independent scientists with protected time and salary support to enhance their research careers; clinical trials as lead investigator are not allowed.
Key Information: Applicants must consult the IC-specific requirements and contacts before applying.
Description
The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) is designed to foster the development of outstanding, newly independent scientists by providing three to five years of salary support and protected time for intensive research focus. The award is intended for researchers who can demonstrate the need for a period of dedicated research to enhance their careers and make significant contributions to their field. This opportunity is specifically for applicants who are not proposing to lead an independent clinical trial, feasibility study, or ancillary clinical trial, though participation in a clinical trial led by another investigator is permitted.
The K02 is a non-mentored career development award, tailored to the individual needs of the candidate, and requires a strong institutional commitment to the candidate’s research and career development.
