NIMH Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering the Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22), funding opportunity number PAR-24-286. This grant opportunity aims to support qualified tenure-track intramural investigators at NIMH seeking to transition to independent research faculty positions within the extramural community. This initiative supports the long-term objective of building and sustaining a diverse and robust cadre of mental health researchers within the United States. The primary goal of the K22 program is to facilitate the smooth transition of promising intramural investigators into independent academic or research institutions. Applicants must have a proven record of meritorious research specifically in mental health-related fields. Importantly, the K22 mechanism is not intended to support independent clinical trials. This aligns with the program’s purpose of emphasizing high-impact mental health research in laboratory or non-clinical settings. While the opportunity notice does not specify the estimated total funding or award limits, it clearly states that cost-sharing or matching is not required, removing potential financial barriers to application. Eligibility is extensive and includes a broad spectrum of institutions and organizations: public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations and governments (both federally recognized and otherwise), nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status), small and large businesses, special district governments, and public housing authorities. Additionally, a wide range of institutions serving specific communities—such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and AANAPISIs—are also eligible. The submission process occurs through Grants.gov. While no pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper are outlined, applicants must ensure all forms are submitted by the deadline. The current closing date for applications is December 17, 2025. A previous date of November 12, 2027, appears to have been revised, and the grant is expected to recur annually. Based on the most recent deadline, the next expected application deadline would be December 17, 2026. Applicants should consult the full funding announcement linked through the NIH’s official grant page for comprehensive submission requirements and criteria. Program evaluation will be based on applicants' research history and the potential for future contributions to the field of mental health. Application review and notification timelines are not specified in the summary but will follow the NIH peer review and funding decision processes. Interested applicants may contact NIH Grants Information via grantsinfo@nih.gov for questions or issues related to access or clarification. This grant is a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers currently employed within NIMH’s intramural program who are seeking to establish themselves in independent research careers in external institutions. Its structure supports a critical transition phase in career development while ensuring continued contribution to the mental health research ecosystem in the U.S.