PA-24-177
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
Summary
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) – Basic Experimental Studies with Humans
Research Focus
This K01 award supports early-career scientists pursuing research independence through 3–5 years of protected, mentored time in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. The program targets investigators conducting prospective basic science experimental studies involving human participants—research that prospectively assigns humans to experimental conditions (manipulating independent variables) to assess biomedical or behavioral outcomes for understanding fundamental phenomena, without immediate application to specific products or clinical interventions.
Eligible studies must meet both NIH definitions of basic research (systematic investigation of fundamental aspects of phenomena) and clinical trials (prospective assignment of human subjects to interventions). Examples include mechanistic human studies examining how interventions work at a biological or behavioral level. Studies with specific applications toward health products, FDA-regulated trials, observational designs, or training-only roles should apply to companion NOFOs instead. The award aims to launch recipients toward research independence and competitiveness for subsequent R01 funding.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Early-career scientists in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences; some ICs support career transitions or research hiatuses due to illness/family circumstances (consult IC-specific requirements).
- Funding & project length: Amount not stated; 3–5 years protected time for salary and research support.
- Award mechanism: K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (requires experienced mentor/sponsor).
- Key dates: Application due dates on rolling basis (e.g., June 12, 2024 onward); May 8, 2027 expiration; earliest start April 2025 (varies by cycle).
- Best fit for: Researchers in aging, substance abuse, child health, communication disorders, environmental health, mental health, nursing, cancer, or complementary health conducting human-based mechanistic or fundamental-science experiments.
Key Facts
Deadline
Fri, May 7, 2027
Posted
Wed, April 24, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$75,000
Max Total
$375,000
Max Duration
5 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (4)
This K01 award REQUIRES independent basic experimental studies with humans - applicants proposing observational studies, clinical trials with specific health applications, or studies led by another in
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Source Text
“All applications submitted to this Parent Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) must propose basic science experimental studies involving humans, otherwise referred to in NOT-OD-18-212 as prospective basic science studies involving human participants, that fall within the NIH definition of a clinical trial and also meet the definition of basic research... Applicants not planning an independent clinical trial or basic experimental study with humans, or proposing to gain research experience in a cl”
The distinction between what qualifies as 'basic research' versus 'specific application towards processes or products' is complex and could be misinterpreted. Studies examining intervention mechanisms
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Source Text
“For the purposes of this NOFO, specific application towards processes or products refers to the application of biomedical or behavioral products, procedures, or services intended to affect a health-related outcome of the individual or a group of individuals either by better understanding the mechanism of action of an intervention or a measurable improvement in health... Prospective studies with humans conducted with specific applications towards processes or products in mind, including FDA Phase”
NIDCR withdrew from this NOFO effective June 14, 2024 (NOT-DE-24-026), so applications from NIDCR-affiliated researchers or those proposing NIDCR-relevant research will not be considered under this an
95%
Source Text
“June 14, 2024 - Notice of NIDCR Withdrawal of Participation from Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, PA-24-177 (Parent K01 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) and PA-24-175 (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required). See Notice NOT-DE-24-026”
The FOA was substantially updated on March 31, 2025 to align with agency priorities, and applicants are explicitly warned to 'carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustme
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Source Text
“March 31, 2025 - This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.”