The Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25) aims to attract professionals with expertise in quantitative sciences and engineering to NIH-relevant biomedical, behavioral, or bioengineering research. This opportunity provides support for career development for scientists who have focused on areas such as mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or engineering and are interested in applying their skills to health-related research. The K25 award is intended to facilitate a transition to independence in biomedical research through a mentored training program that includes didactic coursework, supervised research, and career development activities over three to five years.
The award supports prospective studies involving human participants to explore fundamental scientific questions in basic research that also meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial. The scope of the research under this funding announcement involves assigning human participants to conditions and assessing outcomes to understand underlying biological or behavioral phenomena without aiming for specific health applications. Projects with more direct applications toward health processes, including Phase 0 or 1 trials, must seek funding through other mechanisms.
Candidates for the K25 award should have a strong quantitative background, demonstrated research productivity, and an interest in pivoting to biomedical or behavioral research. The program targets investigators at any career stage who lack extensive experience in NIH-relevant research fields, aiming to equip them with skills necessary for independent research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and must commit 75% of their professional effort to the proposed career development activities. The mentorship plan is a crucial component, requiring involvement from experienced researchers who will guide the candidate's development and provide sufficient resources to support the research.
Funding provided through this mechanism covers salary support and research-related expenses, including tuition, travel, and statistical services, but not mentor salaries. The total project period is capped at five years, with institutional commitment required to support the candidate's development towards independence. The application must include a comprehensive career development plan detailing coursework, research activities, and mentorship strategies that align with the candidate’s long-term goals in biomedical research.
Review criteria include the candidate's potential for developing an independent research career, the quality of the career development plan, the research project's alignment with NIH's goals for training quantitative scientists, and the mentoring team’s expertise. Applications will undergo rigorous peer review, assessing scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities. Successful applicants will gain valuable experience in conducting basic experimental research involving human subjects while being prepared for future independent research opportunities.
Applicants are encouraged to consult specific NIH Institute and Center guidelines before submission, as requirements may vary. It is essential to follow all application instructions closely, including fulfilling data management and sharing obligations for projects generating scientific data. The program aims to diversify the biomedical research workforce by fostering skills in quantitative scientists to address complex health challenges.
