Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 20 188
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00, Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PA-20-188) built to help exceptional postdoctoral researchers move more quickly and successfully into independent faculty careers. Its core goal is to strengthen the pipeline of NIH-supported investigators by supporting a clear, structured transition from a mentored postdoctoral phase to an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) research position. In practice, the program is meant for researchers who are ready to step out of a purely mentored environment but still benefit from a short, focused period of career development support that culminates in launching a fully independent research program with NIH backing.
The award is specifically designed around the career transition itself. The K99 phase supports the applicant while they are still in a mentored postdoctoral role, helping them complete critical training and research milestones that position them for independence. The R00 phase then provides support once the awardee secures an independent faculty appointment, giving them protected time and resources to establish their lab or research group, generate publishable results, and build the track record needed to compete for major independent NIH research awards. The opportunity emphasizes producing a cohort of researchers who can become long-term contributors to the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise, not just successful postdocs.
A key restriction is embedded directly in the title: independent clinical trials are not allowed under this parent announcement. That means the supported research cannot be structured as an applicant-led clinical trial where the awardee is responsible for initiating and directing the trial. Applicants considering human subjects research need to pay close attention to NIH definitions and ensure their proposed work fits the “clinical trial not allowed” framework for this specific FOA.
Eligibility spans a wide range of applicant organizations, reflecting NIH’s broad funding reach and commitment to diverse institutional settings. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and 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 other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both those with and without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible entities. The listing also highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.
At the same time, there are important limits on foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, “foreign components” may be allowed when they meet NIH’s definition in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which typically means a discrete element of the project that is performed outside the U.S. under certain conditions and with appropriate justification and compliance.
Administratively, the sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health, and the funding instrument type is a grant. The opportunity falls under broad activity categories that include health and related areas such as education and human services, and it is associated with multiple 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, 93.351, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.855, 93.859, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.879), reflecting that multiple NIH institutes and centers may participate depending on the scientific area. The source data lists an original closing date of 2024-05-07 and a creation date of 2020-05-05. Award ceiling and expected awards are not specified in the provided listing, which is common for NIH opportunities where budgets and award counts can vary by institute, fiscal year, and application volume.
Overall, this K99/R00 parent opportunity is best understood as a career-launch mechanism: it targets high-potential postdoctoral researchers, provides a mentored runway toward independence, and then supplies early-stage independent support once a faculty position is obtained, all while maintaining a firm boundary against independent clinical trial leadership within this specific announcement.Apply for PA 20 188
- 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 Not Allowed)" 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, 93.351, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.855, 93.859, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.879.
- 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 Not Allowed) - PA-20-188
What is the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) under PA-20-188?
The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00, Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PA-20-188) designed to help exceptional postdoctoral researchers transition more quickly and successfully into independent faculty careers.
What is the main purpose of this award?
The core goal is to strengthen the pipeline of NIH-supported investigators by supporting a clear, structured transition from a mentored postdoctoral phase to an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) research position, ultimately launching an independent research program with NIH support.
Who is this program intended for?
This opportunity is meant for high-potential postdoctoral researchers who are ready to move beyond a purely mentored environment but would still benefit from a short, focused period of career development support that culminates in independence.
How is the K99/R00 award structured?
The program has two phases. The K99 phase supports the awardee during a mentored postdoctoral period to complete key training and research milestones. The R00 phase provides support after the awardee secures an independent faculty appointment, helping them establish a lab or research group, generate publishable results, and build a track record to compete for major independent NIH research awards.
What does the K99 phase support?
The K99 phase supports the applicant while they remain in a mentored postdoctoral role, with the intent of completing training and research milestones that position them for an independent career.
What does the R00 phase support?
The R00 phase supports the awardee once they obtain an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) research position, providing protected time and resources to launch an independent research program and build early independent outputs (such as publishable results).
Does this award require moving into a faculty role?
The opportunity is designed around the transition into an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) position. The R00 phase specifically begins after the awardee secures such an independent appointment.
Are independent clinical trials allowed under this FOA?
No. A key restriction is embedded in the title: independent clinical trials are not allowed under this parent announcement. The supported research cannot be structured as an applicant-led clinical trial where the awardee is responsible for initiating and directing the trial.
If my project includes human subjects, can I still apply?
Human subjects research may require careful review to ensure the proposed work fits within the "clinical trial not allowed" framework. Applicants considering human subjects research should pay close attention to NIH definitions and make sure their proposed work is not an applicant-led clinical trial under NIH rules for this specific FOA.
What is the sponsoring agency and funding instrument?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the funding instrument type is a grant.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is PA-20-188.
Is this opportunity considered discretionary funding?
Yes. The listing describes the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00, Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) as a discretionary NIH grant opportunity.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility spans a wide range of organizations, including: state, county, city, township, and 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 other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible entities.
Are minority-serving institutions and other special institutional categories eligible?
Yes. The eligible applicant list also highlights Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
Are foreign components allowed at all?
Foreign components may be allowed when they meet NIH's definition in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, typically meaning a discrete element of the project performed outside the U.S. with appropriate justification and compliance.
What activity areas does this opportunity fall under?
The opportunity falls under broad activity categories that include health and related areas such as education and human services.
Why are multiple CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?
Multiple CFDA numbers are listed (including 93.113, 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.307, 93.351, 93.361, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.855, 93.859, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.879), reflecting that multiple NIH institutes and centers may participate depending on the scientific area.
Is the award ceiling listed?
No. The provided listing does not specify an award ceiling.
Is the expected number of awards listed?
No. The provided listing does not specify the expected number of awards.
Why might award amounts and award counts be unspecified?
The listing notes that this is common for NIH opportunities where budgets and award counts can vary by institute, fiscal year, and application volume.
What dates are provided for this opportunity?
The source data lists a creation date of 2020-05-05 and an original closing date of 2024-05-07.
What is the overall outcome NIH is aiming for with this award?
The opportunity emphasizes developing researchers who become long-term contributors to the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise by supporting a mentored-to-independent transition and providing early independent support once a faculty position is obtained.
How should applicants interpret the "career-launch mechanism" description?
It means the program is focused on the transition itself: providing a mentored runway toward independence (K99) and then early-stage independent support (R00), while maintaining a firm boundary against independent clinical trial leadership within this specific parent announcement.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required)
Previous opportunity: Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
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| 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 |
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| PHS 2020-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 260 Funding Number: PA 20 260 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 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 |
| 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 21 050 Funding Number: PA 21 050 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 21 052 Funding Number: PA 21 052 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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