Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)
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.
The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) is an NIH-funded grant program designed to support early-career researchers who are ready to establish themselves as independent scientists in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This award provides three to five years of intensive, supervised career development with protected research time, allowing recipients to focus on their scientific growth under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program is particularly valuable for researchers transitioning into new fields, those returning to research after career interruptions due to illness or family circumstances, or individuals planning to conduct independent clinical trials. Eligible applicants include faculty and researchers at a wide range of institutions, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, and other qualifying organizations nationwide. This grant is ideal for scientists seeking to bridge the gap between postdoctoral training and independent research leadership, offering both mentorship and dedicated resources to develop competitive research programs. The award emphasizes research independence and career trajectory, making it essential for investigators committed to advancing biomedical science and clinical research innovation.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 7, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by NIH Institute or Center
Deadline
2027-05-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Deadline: May 7, 2027)
Best For
Early-career researchers at HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and other eligible organizations seeking to establish research independence with clinical trial components
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 Required)?
Eligible applicants include researchers at 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, eligible federal agencies, and other qualifying institutions nationwide. Specific eligibility requirements regarding research experience level, citizenship, and institutional affiliation should be verified on the official NIH website, as requirements may vary by participating NIH Institute or Center.
How much funding does Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) provide?
Specific funding amounts are not listed in current available data. Award amounts typically vary depending on the NIH Institute or Center administering the grant and the research field. Applicants should consult the official NIH K01 grant announcement for current fiscal year funding levels and details.
How do I apply for Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants portal (Grants.gov). The application process typically requires a detailed research proposal, mentor commitment letters, institutional endorsement, and a career development plan. The next deadline is May 7, 2027. For comprehensive application instructions, submission requirements, and format specifications, visit the official NIH website and review the full grant announcement for your participating institute or center.
What can Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) funding be used for?
This award supports three to five years of intensive, supervised career development in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. Funding covers salary support and research expenses that enable recipients to develop research independence. Because this program specifically requires independent clinical trials, funds should support clinical research development and trial preparation. The award provides protected research time to advance scientific expertise and establish an independent research program. Details on allowable expenses should be confirmed on the official NIH website.
Last updated: July 5, 2026