NIH Career Development Awards
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides support for the career
advancement of biomedical investigators, including both basic and
clinical researchers, via a series of career development awards, term
K awards. These federally funded K awards provide a wide range of
funding opportunities designed for professionals interested in basic,
clinical and/or translational research.
Typically, K awards provide
partial salary and research support so that a junior investigator may
have protected time (a minimum of 75 percent effort) in order to develop
their research and career interests and be prepared to successfully
transition to the status of an independent investigator or Principal
Investigator. K awards are an excellent place for a postdoctoral fellow,
clinical fellow or junior faculty member to develop their research
program
and career in preparation for R01-type awards.
K Awards
As you consider preparing an application for a K award, one of the first steps
is asking the question:
Which K Award is the best for you?
To start you on this process, we
suggest that you begin with an electronic visit to
the NIH
K Kiosk
where there is a great deal of information on these training awards all
located in one easy-to-access site. Another useful web site designed to
help you select the right career award for you is the
NIH Career Award
Wizard.
We encourage you to check out these up-to-date resources for help in
selecting the research award that is best for you.
Types of K Awards
As you begin your search, keep in mind that K awards fall into two
general categories Mentored Career Development Awards and Career
Transition Awards.
The Mentored Career Development Awards include K08 and K23 awards for
clinicians and K01 awards for basic scientists. Career Transition Awards
include K02 and K22 awards for basic investigators.
The NIH is
especially committed to supporting
the careers of new investigators through the New
Investigators Program which includes the
Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)
for both basic and clinical investigators.
We encourage
you to seek advice from your mentors, department chairs, deans and
Program Officials at the NIH to help you determine which award best fits
your career stage, professional development needs and long term goals as
a biomedical investigator.
Do you want to further increase your probability of success?
Register for a K Award Workshop!
A series of K Award workshops have been designed to meet your career
development needs based upon your scientific path and your career stage,
i.e., early career, mid career, or senior investigator. Sessions are
offered at various times and locations throughout the year. Select the
workshops that best meet your professional goals.
2006-07 K Award Workshop Schedule
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