Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The purpose of the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is to support rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for up to three years for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must submit their application up to one year prior to beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins (resubmissions included). The ACE K32 will foster early, goal-directed planning and encourage innovative applications with the potential for a significant impact on scientific research and career development. Inclusion of preliminary data are not required as the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is a prestigious NIH-sponsored grant designed to support early-stage postdoctoral scholars who demonstrate exceptional potential for becoming independent research investigators. This mentored career development award provides up to three years of funding to support rigorous scientific research combined with structured mentorship and professional development. The ACE K32 is ideal for postdoctoral researchers who are within one year before starting their postdoctoral position or up to two years into their postdoctoral training (including resubmissions). Unlike many research grants, the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful career development plans rather than requiring preliminary data, making it accessible to scholars with fresh perspectives and creative approaches. This award fosters early, goal-directed career planning and encourages postdoctoral scholars to develop the skills, mentorship relationships, and research foundations necessary to launch independent careers in research fields aligned with NIH missions. Researchers should apply if they are ready to transition from postdoctoral training to independent investigator status and seek structured support for both scientific advancement and professional development.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 12, 2029
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding cycle
Deadline
2029-07-12
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Early-stage postdoctoral scholars with innovative research ideas seeking mentored career development and research support
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
The ACE K32 is designed for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Eligible applicants must submit their application either up to one year before beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins. Resubmissions are allowed within this timeframe. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components of U.S. organizations are permitted. For detailed eligibility requirements, refer to Section III of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH website.
How much funding does Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
The specific funding amount varies by cycle and is not fixed. Applicants should refer to the most current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the official NIH grant website for the exact funding levels available for the application cycle they plan to submit to.
How do I apply for Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications for the ACE K32 are submitted through the standard NIH grants application process. Applicants must prepare a competitive proposal that includes their innovative research plan, mentorship strategy, and career development goals. Unlike some research grants, preliminary data is not required; instead, emphasis is placed on the quality of the research idea and the mentoring plan. Visit the official NIH website and the specific NOFO for detailed application instructions, required components, submission deadlines, and portal information.
What can Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
ACE K32 funding supports rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development activities for postdoctoral scholars. The award is designed to facilitate the development of early-stage researchers through a combination of research support and structured mentorship. This includes salary support, research supplies, and other costs associated with conducting innovative research while receiving career development guidance. Independent clinical trials are not permitted under this award mechanism. For a comprehensive list of allowable expenses and restrictions, consult the official NOFO and NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Last updated: July 5, 2026