by Laura Major, Training Officer, Office of Strategic Extramural Programs (OSEP).
NIH recognizes the importance of supporting the next generation of biomedical and behavioral scientists. To that end, NIH recently published three new policy notices that provide additional flexibilities for early-career researchers.
Eligible investigators may apply for a second mentored career development award
Typically, researchers are only eligible for one mentored career development (K) award. However, the policy exception outlined in NOT-OD-25-115 allows individuals whose mentored K award prematurely ended on or after January 1, 2025, to be eligible to apply for a new mentored K. All other mentored K eligibility requirements remain unchanged. In their application, investigators should include a justification (including timelines) addressing their need for additional mentored research training and career development.
Eligibility extension for K99/R00 applicants
NOT-OD-25-121 provides eligibility extensions until the October/November 2025 due dates for applicants to the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program. This extension will be automatically applied for applicants to the parent K99/R00 announcement whose four-year eligibility window would have ended with the October/November 2024, February/March 2025, or June/July 2025 due dates. Please note that K99/R00 applicants who wish to receive additional extensions for qualifying life events must continue to contact NIA Training.
Eligibility extension for early-stage investigators
Similar to the eligibility extension for K99/R00 applicants, NOT-OD-25-114 extends early-stage investigator (ESI) status through October 2025 for investigators who were affected by recent delays in the grants process. These automatic extensions have already been applied to investigators whose ESI status would have ended for the October/November 2024, February/March 2025, or June/July 2025 application due dates. Investigators can check their ESI status in the Personal Profile of their respective eRA Commons profiles. Please note that investigators can continue to request additional extensions to their ESI status for qualifying life events following the standard NIH process.
Onwards and upwards
NIA’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers is unwavering. We’re hopeful that these policies will help smooth the path forward for those at critical junctures in their careers. In the meantime, please also check out our website for resources including policy and eligibility information for all NIA K awards, K99/R00 sample applications, funding opportunities for new and early-stage investigators, and more. And remember — if you have questions about the new policies or any training and career development topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at NIATraining@mail.nih.gov. We’re here to help.