NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

---

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.

---

Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply. Upcoming cycles include:
  • June 12, 2025 (New applications)
  • July 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • September 7, 2025 (AIDS-related applications)
  • October 12, 2025 (New)
  • November 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • January 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • Additional cycles continue through May 2027

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for corrections.

---

Funding Amount

• K99 Phase (Mentored): Up to 2 years of support. Salary and research costs as determined by the awarding NIH Institute or Center (see IC-specific budget details).
• R00 Phase (Independent): Up to 3 years of support. Up to $249,000 per year (total costs, including salary, fringe, research costs, and indirect costs).
• Indirect Costs: 8% of modified total direct costs for K99 phase; full institutional rate for R00 phase.
• Total Project Period: May not exceed 5 years.

---

Eligibility

• Applicant: Must be in a mentored, postdoctoral research position at the time of application.
• Experience: No more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience as of the relevant due date (extensions possible for certain life events; see full announcement).
• Degree: Must hold a research or clinical doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, DO, DDS, DVM, etc.).
• Citizenship: No citizenship requirement; non-U.S. citizens must have appropriate visa status for the duration of the award.
• Not Eligible: Individuals who have held or currently hold an independent research faculty or tenure-track position, or have been a PD/PI on major NIH or equivalent grants.
• Institutions: U.S. public or private institutions, including higher education, nonprofits, for-profits, and certain government entities. Non-U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, but foreign components are allowed.

Note: Not all NIH Institutes and Centers participate in this announcement. Applicants must ensure their research area aligns with a participating IC and are strongly encouraged to consult the IC-specific requirements and contacts.

---

Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Instructions: Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Mentor: Applicants must identify a primary mentor with a strong track record in research and mentoring. A mentoring team is encouraged if beneficial.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Institutional Commitment: The sponsoring institution must provide a strong research environment and a statement of commitment to the candidate’s career development.
• Transition to R00: To activate the independent phase, recipients must secure an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position and submit a transition application.

---

Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: This announcement does not allow applicants to propose leading an independent clinical trial. Experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor is permitted.
• Effort: Minimum 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) required during both K99 and R00 phases (50% for certain surgical specialties).
• Multiple Applications: Institutions may submit multiple applications, but each must be scientifically distinct and from a different candidate.
• Review Criteria: Emphasis on candidate’s potential for independence, quality of career development plan, research plan, mentoring, and institutional environment.
• Recent Updates: The opportunity was updated March 31, 2025. Review the full announcement for the latest requirements and IC participation.

---

External Links

• NIH Funding Announcement & Full Details
• Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide
• Apply via Grants.gov
• NIH Research Training and Career Development Programs
• NIH Clinical Trial Definition & Guidance

---

Contact Information

---