Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)
The NIH K02 grant supports outstanding scientists with salary and protected time for independent research to enhance their careers.
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) | January 7, 2026 (AIDS) | February 12, 2026 (New) | March 12, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | May 7, 2026 (AIDS) | Additional dates through May 2027
Funding Amounts: 3–5 years of salary and fringe benefits plus limited research expenses; award budgets vary by NIH Institute/Center and are based on salary support and program-related costs.
Summary: Supports newly independent scientists with salary and protected time to lead independent clinical trials or related studies, enhancing their research careers.
Key Information: Only applications proposing an independent clinical trial (or feasibility/ancillary study) are eligible; consult IC-specific requirements before applying.
Description
The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) provides three to five years of salary support and protected research time for newly independent scientists who propose to lead an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary clinical trial. The award is designed to foster the development of outstanding scientists, enabling them to expand their research potential and make significant contributions to their field. Each award is tailored to the individual needs of the candidate and must align with the mission of one or more participating NIH Institutes or Centers (ICs).
This opportunity is specifically for applicants who will serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial or related study. Those not planning an independent clinical trial must apply to the companion "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed" FOA.
