NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award supports postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent faculty positions with NIH research support.
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Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: November 12, 2026 (Resubmission/Revision) | February 12, 2027 (New) | March 12, 2027 (Resubmission/Revision) | May 7, 2027 (Closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to 5 years total; R00 support up to $249,000 annually for up to 3 years
Summary: Supports postdoctoral researchers transitioning from mentored training to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty research careers.
Key Information: Candidates must remain in mentored research positions until award; independent clinical trial leadership is not allowed.
Description
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award provides a two-phase route from postdoctoral training to research independence. The mentored K99 phase supports additional research training and career development, followed by an R00 phase supporting an independent research program. The goal is to help researchers with clinical or research doctorates launch competitive, independent careers and obtain subsequent research funding.
Research must fit the mission and requirements of a participating NIH Institute or Center. This announcement supports biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research but does not permit candidates to lead an independent clinical trial, feasibility study, or ancillary clinical trial. Candidates may gain experience in a trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Not all NIH Institutes and Centers participate, and consultation with the relevant program staff is strongly encouraged.
