Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The purpose of the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide support and protected time (three to five years) for an intensive, supervised career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. Although all of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) use this support mechanism to support career development experiences that lead to research independence, some ICs use the K01 award for individuals who propose to train in a new field or for individuals who have had a hiatus in their research career because of illness or pressing family circumstances. Other ICs use the K01 to support career development in specific fields. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Applicants proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion NOFO.
The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01) is a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant designed to support early-career scientists pursuing research independence in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This award provides three to five years of protected time and intensive mentorship, making it ideal for researchers transitioning to new fields, returning from career interruptions, or seeking specialized training. Eligible applicants include researchers from diverse institutional backgrounds, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, faith-based and community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. This specific FOA is designed for applicants whose research does not involve leading an independent clinical trial as the primary focus, though participation in mentor-led clinical trials is permitted. Researchers should apply if they are committed to establishing an independent research career and can benefit from structured mentorship within their chosen scientific discipline.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 7, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle and NIH Institute/Center
Deadline
2027-05-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual cycle with deadline May 7, 2027
Best For
Early-career research scientists seeking mentored career development and research independence in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences; researchers from underrepresented institutions and backgrounds
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 Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include researchers from a wide range of institutions: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), faith-based and community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. For complete and current eligibility requirements, including individual qualifications and institutional certifications, visit the official NIH GRANTS.GOV website or contact the relevant NIH Institute or Center administering this award.
How much funding does Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary and are not specified in current available information. For detailed information about award amounts and budget guidelines, please consult the official NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement on GRANTS.GOV or contact your target NIH Institute or Center directly.
How do I apply for Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through NIH GRANTS.GOV. Applicants should prepare a detailed research proposal describing their career development plan, mentoring relationship, and research goals that do not involve leading an independent clinical trial. The application must include mentor letters of support and demonstrate how the award will support transition to research independence. Visit GRANTS.GOV and search for the specific FOA number, or contact your institution's grants office for guidance on the complete application process and requirements.
What can Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports salary, research expenses, and protected time for an intensive, supervised career development experience in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. The award is designed to facilitate the transition to research independence through structured mentorship. Applicants may propose research participation in clinical trials led by mentors or co-mentors, but this FOA does not support applicants planning to lead independent clinical trials as their primary research focus. For applicants proposing to lead clinical trials, a companion NOFO is available.
Last updated: July 5, 2026