Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 20 187
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00, Independent Clinical Trial Required) is a federal grant opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) aimed at helping exceptional postdoctoral researchers move from mentored training into fully independent faculty-level research careers. The central goal is to strengthen the national pipeline of NIH-supported investigators by giving promising early-career scientists a structured, well-supported path to independence. The award is specifically built to speed up the transition from a postdoctoral position into a tenure-track or equivalent independent research role, while also providing research funding that helps recipients establish themselves quickly and competitively.
This opportunity uses a two-phase structure. The first phase (K99) supports a final period of mentored, postdoctoral-level development where the candidate continues to build skills, publish, and prepare for independence under mentorship. The second phase (R00) provides support once the awardee secures an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position, allowing them to launch their own research program with NIH backing during that critical early period of independence. In practical terms, the design reduces the funding gap that often occurs when a researcher leaves a postdoc and starts a new lab, and it signals to hiring institutions that the candidate is on a strong trajectory with NIH support.
A key feature of this particular parent announcement is that it is labeled “Independent Clinical Trial Required,” meaning the proposed work is expected to involve an independent clinical trial as part of the research plan. Applicants considering this mechanism generally need to be prepared to describe and justify the clinical trial component, including how they will lead it and how it fits within their overall pathway to independence. Because NIH distinguishes between clinical trial policies across different funding announcements, applicants must ensure their project aligns with the “clinical trial required” expectation rather than a “not allowed” or “optional” framework.
The program is offered as a discretionary grant under Funding Opportunity Number PA-20-187 and spans a wide range of NIH mission areas, reflected in the many listed CFDA numbers (including 93.113, 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.307, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.865, and 93.866). This broad set of program identifiers signals that the mechanism can support research across many health- and biomedical-related domains, including clinical, translational, and other NIH-relevant research areas tied to those institutes and centers.
Eligibility is broad at the institutional level, encompassing many types of organizations that can serve as applicant institutions or host environments. Eligible applicants include state, county, 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; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education when specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other organization types. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, Hispanic-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized, non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), and U.S. territories or possessions. This emphasis underscores NIH’s openness to a wide range of institutional settings and its interest in supporting diverse research environments.
The opportunity was created on 2020-05-05, and the listed original closing date is 2024-05-07. The notice does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided text, which typically means applicants should consult the full funding announcement and the relevant NIH institute or center guidance for budget structures, limits, and anticipated award volume. Overall, this K99/R00 funding track is best understood as a career-accelerating mechanism: it supports a strong postdoc in finishing mentored training with a clear plan for independence, then helps that same researcher establish an independent program quickly once they obtain a faculty-equivalent appointment, with the added requirement here that the research scope includes an independent clinical trial.Apply for PA 20 187
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, food and nutrition, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 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, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.307, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2020-05-05.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-07. (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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FAQs: NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00, Independent Clinical Trial Required) - PA-20-187
What is the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00)?
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00) is a federal NIH grant opportunity designed to help exceptional postdoctoral researchers transition from mentored postdoctoral training into fully independent, faculty-level research careers. Its main purpose is to strengthen the pipeline of NIH-supported investigators by providing a structured path to independence.
What is the main goal of this K99/R00 opportunity?
The central goal is to speed up and support the move from a postdoctoral position to a tenure-track (or equivalent) independent research role, while providing research funding that helps the awardee establish an independent research program quickly and competitively.
How is the award structured?
This opportunity uses a two-phase structure: a mentored K99 phase followed by an independent R00 phase. The K99 phase supports a final period of mentored postdoctoral development, and the R00 phase supports the awardee after they secure an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position.
What does the K99 phase support?
The K99 phase supports a final period of mentored, postdoctoral-level career development. During this period, the candidate continues building skills, publishing, and preparing for independence under mentorship.
What does the R00 phase support?
The R00 phase provides support once the awardee secures an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position. It is intended to help launch the awardee's independent research program during the critical early period of independence.
Why is the two-phase design important for early-career researchers?
The design helps reduce the funding gap that often occurs when a researcher leaves a postdoc and starts a new lab. It can also signal to hiring institutions that the candidate has strong momentum and NIH support during the transition to independence.
What does "Independent Clinical Trial Required" mean in this announcement?
"Independent Clinical Trial Required" means the proposed work is expected to involve an independent clinical trial as part of the research plan. Applicants should be prepared to describe and justify the clinical trial component, including how they will lead it and how it fits within their overall pathway to independence.
How does NIH's clinical trial policy affect applicants to this opportunity?
NIH distinguishes between clinical trial policies across different funding announcements. For this opportunity, applicants should ensure their project aligns with the "clinical trial required" expectation rather than an announcement where clinical trials are "not allowed" or "optional."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is PA-20-187.
Which federal agency offers this opportunity?
This is a federal grant opportunity offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What type of funding instrument is this?
The program is offered as a discretionary grant.
What research areas can this award support?
The opportunity spans a wide range of NIH mission areas. The many listed CFDA numbers indicate that this mechanism can support research across many health- and biomedical-related domains, including clinical and translational research, and other NIH-relevant areas tied to participating NIH institutes and centers.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The listed CFDA numbers include 93.113, 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.307, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.865, and 93.866.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply or serve as host institutions?
Eligibility is broad at the institutional level. Eligible applicants include (among others) state, county, 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; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (with certain exclusions noted in the announcement text); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other organization types.
Does NIH highlight any additional eligible applicant categories?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); eligible federal agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; Hispanic-serving institutions; historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized; non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations); regional organizations; tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs); and U.S. territories or possessions.
Does this opportunity allow non-U.S. (foreign) organizations to be eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
What is the opportunity creation date?
The opportunity was created on 2020-05-05.
What is the original closing date listed in the provided information?
The listed original closing date is 2024-05-07.
Is there an award ceiling or expected number of awards stated here?
No. The provided text does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards. In cases like this, applicants are typically expected to consult the full funding announcement and relevant NIH institute or center guidance for budget structures, limits, and anticipated award volume.
What kind of career stage is this award designed to support?
This award is designed to support postdoctoral researchers who are preparing to transition into independent, faculty-level research careers.
How does this mechanism help during the transition to a faculty-equivalent role?
It provides a structured and well-supported pathway that includes mentored development (K99) followed by independent support (R00), helping the recipient establish an independent program quickly once they obtain a tenure-track or equivalent appointment.
What is a practical benefit of having NIH backing during the R00 phase?
The R00 phase provides funding during the early period of independence, which can help the awardee launch their research program and may reduce uncertainty for both the researcher and the hiring institution during the startup period.
What should an applicant be ready to explain about the clinical trial component?
Based on the "Independent Clinical Trial Required" designation, applicants should be prepared to describe and justify the independent clinical trial component, explain how they will lead it, and show how it fits into their overall pathway to independence.
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|---|
| NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 185 Funding Number: PA 20 185 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 188 Funding Number: PA 20 188 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 197 Funding Number: PA 20 197 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (Parent R13 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 207 Funding Number: PA 20 207 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 206 Funding Number: PA 20 206 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 205 Funding Number: PA 20 205 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 203 Funding Number: PA 20 203 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 222 Funding Number: PA 20 222 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Administrative Supplement for Research on Dietary Supplements (Admin Supp-Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 227 Funding Number: PA 20 227 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32) Apply for PA 20 242 Funding Number: PA 20 242 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) Apply for PA 20 246 Funding Number: PA 20 246 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) Apply for PA 20 245 Funding Number: PA 20 245 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) Apply for PA 20 248 Funding Number: PA 20 248 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Parent F31-Diversity) Apply for PA 20 251 Funding Number: PA 20 251 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2020-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 261 Funding Number: PA 20 261 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2020-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 262 Funding Number: PA 20 262 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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| PHS 2020-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 265 Funding Number: PA 20 265 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Successor-in-Interest (Type 6 Parent Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 20 275 Funding Number: PA 20 275 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) Apply for PA 21 051 Funding Number: PA 21 051 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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