Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)
About
The primary purpose of the NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Awards (K08) program is to prepare qualified individuals for careers that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation. This program represents the continuation of a long-standing NIH program that provides support and "protected time" to individuals with a clinical doctoral degree for an intensive, supervised research career development experience in the fields of biomedical and behavioral research, including translational research.
The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required) is a prestigious NIH grant program designed to support qualified individuals with clinical doctoral degrees who are committed to building careers in biomedical and behavioral research. This program provides crucial "protected time" and mentored support to early-career clinical scientists, enabling them to develop their research expertise while maintaining their clinical credentials. The K08 award is ideal for clinicians and clinical researchers who want to transition into independent research careers and make significant contributions to the Nation's health-related research priorities. Applicants should have a clinical doctoral degree (MD, DO, DDS, DVM, or equivalent) and be prepared to conduct research that includes independent clinical trials. The program supports intensive, supervised research career development experiences, including translational research that bridges laboratory findings to clinical applications. This grant represents a long-standing NIH commitment to preparing the next generation of clinical researchers who will address critical health challenges. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, and other eligible organizations. If you are a clinical scientist ready to dedicate yourself to rigorous research training under expert mentorship, this award can provide the support and resources necessary to establish your independent research program.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 8, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle - consult official NIH announcement
Deadline
2027-05-08
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Clinical scientists with doctoral degrees seeking to establish independent research careers; researchers at HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other eligible institutional types
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)?
Eligible applicants include individuals with clinical doctoral degrees (such as MD, DO, DDS, or DVM) from eligible institutions. Eligible institutions include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, eligible federal agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, and Indian/Native American Tribal Governments. For complete eligibility requirements and specific applicant qualifications, visit the official NIH website.
How much funding does Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary by cycle and individual award. For current information on funding ranges and award amounts for this grant cycle, please consult the official NIH K08 program announcement and funding details on the NIH grants website.
How do I apply for Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)?
Applications are typically submitted through NIH's Grants.gov system or the NIH eRA Commons portal. You will need to develop a comprehensive research proposal, identify a qualified mentor, and provide evidence of your commitment to developing an independent research career. The application process includes peer review and consideration by NIH program staff. Visit the official NIH K08 program page for detailed instructions, required forms, submission deadlines, and technical assistance resources.
What can Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required) funding be used for?
K08 funds support salary, research expenses, equipment, and other costs associated with an intensive, supervised research career development experience. This includes biomedical and behavioral research, as well as translational research that applies laboratory discoveries to clinical practice. The award provides protected time for awardees to conduct independent clinical trials and develop their research program under mentorship. For specific allowable use categories and budget requirements, consult the official NIH program guidelines.
Last updated: July 5, 2026