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.
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) [and more through May 2027]
Funding Amounts: Up to 2 years of mentored support (K99 phase) and up to 3 years of independent support (R00 phase); R00 phase up to $249,000/year total costs.
Summary: Supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers in transitioning from mentored positions to independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty roles with NIH research funding.
Key Information: Applicants must have no more than 4 years of postdoctoral experience and cannot propose to lead an independent clinical trial under this announcement.
Description
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) is designed to help highly promising postdoctoral researchers transition rapidly and successfully from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The program provides up to five years of support in two phases: an initial mentored phase (K99, up to 2 years) and a subsequent independent phase (R00, up to 3 years). The goal is to foster the development of independent research programs that will be competitive for future NIH funding and advance the mission of the NIH.
This specific opportunity does not allow applicants to propose leading an independent clinical trial, though mentored experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor/co-mentor is permitted. Applicants interested in leading a clinical trial should apply to the companion announcement.
