Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

The Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) is administered by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Multiple NIH Institutes and Centers participate, including the National Institute on Aging, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, and others, with additional co-funding possible from NIH offices such as the Office of Research on Women’s Health. This program is part of NIH’s broader career development portfolio designed to strengthen the national biomedical research workforce by supporting established investigators at critical career stages. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide mid-career clinician-scientists with protected time to conduct patient-oriented research while simultaneously mentoring early-stage clinical investigators. The award targets individuals who are already independently funded and established in their fields, typically at the associate professor level or equivalent. The program emphasizes both the continuation and expansion of high-quality patient-oriented research as well as the development of future clinical researchers through structured mentorship. Eligible projects must involve basic experimental studies with human participants that meet the NIH definition of both a clinical trial and basic research. These studies are expected to prospectively assign human subjects to conditions or interventions to better understand fundamental biological or behavioral processes without direct application toward products or treatments. The funding supports research activities, mentoring responsibilities, and career development efforts aligned with NIH institute missions. Funding is structured to provide salary support for 25 to 50 percent effort (3 to 6 person-months) and up to $50,000 annually for research-related expenses, including supplies, travel, and statistical services. The total project period may not exceed five years. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate of 8 percent of modified total direct costs. The award does not require cost sharing or matching funds, and applicants must maintain independent peer-reviewed research funding throughout the award period. Eligibility extends broadly to U.S.-based institutions such as public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, government entities, and certain for-profit organizations, provided they meet NIH requirements. Individual applicants must hold a health-professional doctoral degree or equivalent clinical research doctorate, demonstrate a strong record of patient-oriented research, and show substantial mentoring experience. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, although certain foreign components may be included. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using approved NIH systems such as ASSIST or institutional submission platforms. Applicants must follow strict formatting and submission requirements outlined in the NIH Application Guide and complete all required registrations, including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applications are reviewed through NIH’s peer review process, focusing on candidate qualifications, research plan quality, mentoring strategy, and institutional support. The opportunity follows NIH standard due dates with multiple submission cycles annually. Application deadlines occur in February, June, and October for new submissions, with corresponding review and award timelines extending into the following year. The current cycle includes deadlines through May 2027, with the program expected to recur regularly. Applicants are encouraged to consult NIH staff prior to submission to ensure alignment with institute priorities and maximize competitiveness.

Emphasize strong mentoring record and sustained independent research funding; align research with NIH institute priorities; clearly justify need for protected time