Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 Independent Clinical Trial Required)

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Description

This opportunity provides mentored career development support for quantitative scientists and engineers (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, informatics, physics, chemistry, engineering, economics) who wish to transition their expertise to NIH-relevant biomedical, behavioral, bioimaging, or bioengineering research. The award is specifically for those proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary clinical trial as part of their research and career development.

The program aims to:

• Attract quantitative researchers with little or no prior focus on health and disease to NIH-relevant research.
• Provide protected time (3–5 years) for supervised study, coursework, and mentored research.
• Enable awardees to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to compete for independent NIH research support or to play leading roles in multidisciplinary research teams.

Applicants not planning to lead an independent clinical trial should apply to the companion FOA.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH K Award due dates apply.
• Upcoming deadlines:
  • June 12, 2025 (New applications)
  • July 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • September 7, 2025 (AIDS-related applications)
  • October 12, 2025 (New applications)
  • November 12, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • January 7, 2026 (AIDS-related applications)
  • Additional cycles continue through May 2027.
• All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

See full NIH due date schedule

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Funding Amount

• Project Period: Up to 5 years.
• Budget: Composed of salary and research development support, as determined by the participating NIH Institute or Center (IC).
  • Salary and fringe benefits for the award recipient (see IC-specific details).
  • Research development support for tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, technical personnel, travel, and statistical services.
  • Indirect costs reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

Eligible Organizations

• Public/State controlled 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

Note: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components as defined by NIH policy are allowed.

Eligible Individuals (PD/PI)

• Must have an advanced degree in a quantitative area of science or engineering (e.g., PhD, DSc, MSEE).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident by the time of award.
• Must not have served as PD/PI on major NIH research or career development awards (e.g., R01, P01, P50, K01, K07, K08, K22, K23, K25, K76, K99/R00).
• Must have demonstrated research interests and accomplishments in their primary quantitative discipline.
• Must commit a minimum of 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) to the award.
• Must identify a qualified mentor (or mentoring team) with a strong track record in NIH-relevant research and mentoring.

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Application Process

• Application Submission: Electronic submission via NIH ASSIST, institutional system-to-system, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• Required Registrations: SAM, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, and ORCID (for PD/PI).
• Application Components: 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(s): Must provide a detailed mentoring plan and evidence of research support.
• Institutional Commitment: The institution must document a strong research environment and commitment to the candidate’s career development.

Important: Not all NIH Institutes and Centers participate in this announcement. Applicants must consult the Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts and are strongly encouraged to contact NIH staff before applying.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trial Requirement: Only applications proposing to lead an independent clinical trial, feasibility study, or ancillary clinical trial are accepted under this FOA.
• Level of Effort: 75% full-time professional effort required.
• Mentoring: A strong, active mentoring plan is essential.
• Data Management and Sharing: All applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan.
• Review Criteria: Scientific merit, candidate potential, career development plan, research plan, mentor qualifications, and institutional environment.
• Companion FOA: For candidates not proposing an independent clinical trial, see PA-24-191.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Announcement (PA-24-190)
• Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts
• NIH K25 Activity Code Information
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide
• NIH Research Training and Career Development
• NIH Grants Policy Statement
• Apply via Grants.gov

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Contact Information

For all other inquiries, see the full opportunity announcement contacts section.