Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 19 131
The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) described in PA 19 131 is a career development grant meant to help newly independent researchers build momentum at a critical stage when they are capable of leading significant work but still benefit from a structured period of protected research time. The main goal is to support outstanding scientists so they can deepen their expertise, sharpen their research direction, and expand their long-term impact in their field. Unlike awards aimed at trainees, this mechanism is designed for investigators who have already reached independence but can justify needing dedicated time and support to accelerate their research program and strengthen their career trajectory.
A central feature of this K02 is that it provides three to five years of salary support tied to protected time for research. In practical terms, the award is meant to buy down other responsibilities so the investigator can focus intensely on building and executing a high-quality research agenda. The career development plan is not one-size-fits-all; NIH expects the program to be tailored to the candidate's specific needs, meaning the application should clearly explain what skills, experiences, or expansions in scope the investigator will pursue during the award period and how this focused time will translate into stronger independence and sustained contributions after the K02 ends.
This particular announcement is specifically for applicants who will be the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial. That includes leading a full clinical trial, running a clinical trial feasibility study, or directing an ancillary clinical trial that is separate from a parent trial but still qualifies as an independent effort. The key point is that the applicant is not simply participating in someone else's trial for experience; they are proposing to lead the clinical trial component as part of their research and career development. If an applicant is not planning to lead an independent clinical trial, or if they intend to gain experience within a clinical trial run by another investigator, NIH directs them to apply under a companion funding opportunity rather than this one. This distinction matters because NIH separates clinical trial leadership applications from non-trial or mentored-participation applications to ensure the review criteria match the responsibilities and regulatory, operational, and scientific demands of trial leadership.
Eligibility is broad and spans many types of U.S.-based organizations and public entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. NIH also explicitly highlights additional categories that can apply, such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the announcement makes clear that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components, as NIH defines them in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, which typically means a U.S. applicant organization can include certain international elements in the project when justified and compliant, even though the applicant institution itself must be eligible and domestic.
Administratively, this opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health as a discretionary grant program and is categorized under the broad activity area of education, environment, and health, reflecting its career development and biomedical focus. The associated CFDA numbers listed for this FOA include 93.113, 93.121, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, and 93.866, which correspond to different NIH institutes and program areas that may participate in or be relevant to the announcement. The source information provided shows an original closing date of 2022-01-07 and a creation date of 2018-12-20. While the summary data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the intent of the mechanism is clear: sustained, multi-year salary support that protects time for a newly independent investigator to lead an independent clinical trial effort and use that experience to solidify and expand an impactful research career.Apply for PA 19 131
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-12-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) - Clinical Trial Leadership (PA 19-131): FAQs
1) What is the NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) described in PA 19-131?
The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) in PA 19-131 is a career development grant designed to support newly independent researchers at a stage where they can lead significant work but still benefit from a structured period of protected research time. It is intended to help outstanding scientists deepen expertise, sharpen research direction, and expand long-term impact.
2) Who is this K02 intended for?
This K02 is for investigators who have already reached independence (not trainees) and can justify the need for dedicated time and support to accelerate their research program and strengthen their career trajectory.
3) What is the main purpose of the award?
The central goal is to build momentum for newly independent scientists by providing a multi-year period of protected time and support so they can focus intensely on developing and executing a high-quality research agenda and increase sustained contributions after the award ends.
4) How long does the K02 provide support?
The award provides three to five years of support.
5) What type of support does this K02 provide?
A central feature is salary support tied to protected time for research. In practical terms, it is meant to buy down other responsibilities so the investigator can concentrate on research and career development activities.
6) Is this award meant for trainees or mentored investigators?
No. Unlike mechanisms aimed at trainees, this K02 is designed for investigators who have already reached independence, but who still benefit from protected time and structured career development to accelerate their research program.
7) What does NIH expect in the career development plan?
NIH expects the career development plan to be tailored to the candidate's specific needs. The application should clearly explain what skills, experiences, or expansions in scope the investigator will pursue during the award period and how that focused time will translate into stronger independence and sustained contributions after the K02 ends.
8) What is unique about this specific announcement regarding clinical trials?
This specific announcement is for applicants who will be the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial. That includes leading a full clinical trial, running a clinical trial feasibility study, or directing an ancillary clinical trial that is separate from a parent trial but still qualifies as an independent effort.
9) What does NIH mean by "lead investigator of an independent clinical trial" in this context?
It means the applicant is proposing to lead the clinical trial component as part of their research and career development, rather than participating in another investigator's clinical trial primarily to gain experience.
10) Can I apply if I am participating in someone else's clinical trial for experience?
No. If the plan is to gain experience within a clinical trial run by another investigator (rather than leading an independent clinical trial), NIH directs applicants to apply under a companion funding opportunity rather than this one.
11) What if my project does not include leading an independent clinical trial?
If you are not planning to lead an independent clinical trial, you should not use this announcement. NIH indicates there is a companion funding opportunity intended for applicants who are not leading an independent clinical trial.
12) Why does NIH separate clinical trial leadership applications from non-trial or participation applications?
NIH separates these applications so the review criteria align with the responsibilities and the regulatory, operational, and scientific demands of clinical trial leadership.
13) What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations and public entities, including:
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Tribal organizations that are not federally recognized
- Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
- For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
14) Are any additional institution types explicitly highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights that the following categories can apply (among others): Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.
15) Are non-U.S. (non-domestic) organizations eligible to apply?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply under this announcement.
16) Are non-domestic components of U.S. organizations allowed?
No. The announcement states that non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
17) Are foreign components allowed at all?
Yes. Foreign components, as NIH defines them in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed. This typically means a U.S. applicant organization may include certain international elements in the project when justified and compliant, even though the applicant institution itself must be eligible and domestic.
18) Who is the funding agency and what type of program is this?
The funding agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant program.
19) What broad activity area is this opportunity categorized under?
The opportunity is categorized under the broad activity area of education, environment, and health, reflecting its career development and biomedical focus.
20) What CFDA numbers are associated with this FOA?
The CFDA numbers listed for this FOA are 93.113, 93.121, 93.273, 93.279, 93.853, and 93.866. These correspond to different NIH institutes and program areas that may participate in or be relevant to the announcement.
21) What are the dates provided for this opportunity?
The source information provided shows a creation date of 2018-12-20 and an original closing date of 2022-01-07.
22) Does the summary specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?
No. The summary data provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.
23) What is the practical intent of the mechanism even without a listed ceiling?
Based on the description, the intent is sustained, multi-year salary support that protects time for a newly independent investigator to lead an independent clinical trial effort and use that experience to solidify and expand an impactful research career.
24) What kinds of clinical trial activities are explicitly included under "independent clinical trial" here?
The announcement includes leading a full clinical trial, conducting a clinical trial feasibility study, or directing an ancillary clinical trial that is separate from a parent trial but still qualifies as an independent effort.
25) How should an applicant position the research time and responsibilities in the proposal?
The description emphasizes that the award is meant to buy down other responsibilities to enable protected research time, so the application should reflect an intense focus on building and executing the investigator's research agenda during the award period, alongside a tailored career development plan.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 19 131) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 132 Funding Number: PA 19 132 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| U.S.-China Program for Biomedical Collaborative Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA CA 19 009 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 158 Funding Number: PAR 19 158 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Summer Research Education Experience Program (Clinical Trials Not Allowed R25) Apply for PAR 19 164 Funding Number: PAR 19 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Senior Fellowship (Parent F33) Apply for PA 19 187 Funding Number: PA 19 187 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Summer Research Education Experience Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 197 Funding Number: PAR 19 197 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH); K12 Clinical Trial Optional Apply for RFA OD 19 020 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Basic and Translational Research on Adducts in Cancer Risk Identification and Prevention (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 252 Funding Number: PAR 19 252 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Environmental Influences on Aging: Effects of Extreme Weather and Disaster Events on Aging Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 250 Funding Number: PAR 19 250 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Basic and Translational Research on Adducts in Cancer Risk Identification and Prevention (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 251 Funding Number: PAR 19 251 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 275 Funding Number: PAR 19 275 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Mechanism for Time-Sensitive Research Opportunities in Environmental Health Sciences (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 19 011 Funding Number: RFA ES 19 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| The Intersection of Sex and Gender Influences on Health and Disease (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA OD 19 029 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 029 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Highly Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells (SBIR) (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 047 Funding Number: PA 20 047 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Highly Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells (STTR) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 025 Funding Number: PA 20 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 089 Funding Number: PAR 20 089 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biomedical Knowledgebase (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 097 Funding Number: PAR 20 097 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 165 Funding Number: PAR 20 165 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) (R21 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 168 Funding Number: PAR 20 168 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 174 Funding Number: PA 20 174 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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