Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

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Description

This opportunity provides mentored career development support for early-career researchers in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences, specifically for basic experimental studies involving humans. The goal is to facilitate the transition to research independence by providing protected time (3–5 years) for intensive, supervised research and training under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The program is open to individuals seeking to enter a new field or those returning to research after a hiatus due to illness or family circumstances, as well as those pursuing career development in specific fields as determined by participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs).

All applications must propose independent basic experimental studies with humans, defined as prospective studies that assign human participants to conditions to understand fundamental aspects of phenomena, without specific application toward processes or products. This mechanism is not for clinical trials with specific health-related outcomes or for observational studies.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply for new, renewal, resubmission, and AIDS-related applications:
  • 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 cycles continue through May 2027
• All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
• See full schedule of NIH due dates

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Funding Amount

• Award duration: 3 to 5 years of support.
• Budget: Composed of salary and other program-related expenses (e.g., research costs, tuition, travel, statistical services).
• Salary and expense limits: Set by each participating NIH Institute/Center; see the Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts.
• Indirect costs: 8% of modified total direct costs.
• The number of awards is contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible organizations:
  • Public and private institutions of higher education
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments
  • Independent school districts
  • Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
  • Native American tribal governments and organizations
  • Faith-based and community-based organizations
  • Regional organizations
• Eligible individuals:
  • Must have a research or health-professional doctoral degree.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident by the time of award.
  • Must not have held certain major NIH independent research or career development awards (e.g., R01, K01, K08, K23, K99/R00, etc.).
  • Must commit at least 75% full-time professional effort to the award.
• Foreign organizations: Not eligible to apply; foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.

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Application Process

• Consultation: Strongly encouraged to consult the IC-specific requirements and staff contacts to ensure alignment with the mission and requirements of a participating NIH Institute/Center.
• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using ASSIST, institutional system-to-system solutions, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• 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 instructions: Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Reference letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Mentor: Applicants must identify a primary mentor with a strong track record in research and mentoring.

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Additional Information

• Scope: Only applications proposing independent basic experimental studies with humans (NIH-defined clinical trials that are also basic research) are eligible.
• Not all NIH ICs participate: Check the IC-specific table for participation and requirements.
• Data Management and Sharing Plan: Required for all applications.
• Level of effort: Minimum 75% (9 person-months) of full-time professional effort must be devoted to the award.
• Review criteria: Emphasize candidate potential, quality of the career development plan, research plan, mentor qualifications, and institutional environment.
• Salary limits: Some ICs may have specific salary caps; see NIDA's salary limits notice.
• Recent changes: Review the full announcement for updates and policy changes, especially for applications due on or after January 25, 2025.

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External Links

• Full Funding Opportunity Announcement (NIH)
• Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts
• NIH K01 Activity Code Information
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide
• NIH Grants Policy Statement
• NIH Research Training and Career Development
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

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