AHRQ Mentored Career Enhancement Awards for Established Investigators in Patient-Centered Outcome Research (K18)

The AHRQ Mentored Career Enhancement Awards for Established Investigators in Patient-Centered Outcome Research (K18) is a federally funded initiative administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program aims to strengthen the pipeline of experienced researchers by offering structured, mentored opportunities to expand their skillsets in the field of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). The overarching goal is to foster a cadre of mid-career and senior scientists capable of producing rigorous, comparative effectiveness research (CER) that improves healthcare outcomes and informs clinical and policy decisions. Targeted at investigators with established research track records—such as those holding associate professor or professor ranks—this program supports retooling in new scientific techniques, methods, and emerging technologies relevant to PCOR. The awards facilitate short-term (6 to 24 months) intensive, mentored research experiences to broaden capabilities or pivot research agendas toward priority areas. These may include evaluating disparities in healthcare delivery, redesigning care systems, or integrating innovative tools and policies into practice. The K18 award requires a commitment of at least 50% of full-time professional effort toward PCOR activities. Funding is provided through salary support and additional program-related costs, with an annual ceiling of $275,000 in total costs, inclusive of facilities and administrative expenses. Up to $50,000 per year in direct costs may support tuition, research supplies, travel, and limited mentor compensation. The candidate must have a full-time appointment at the applicant institution and may not use a VA appointment to satisfy effort requirements. The program is open to U.S.-based nonprofit educational institutions, local and state government units, and certain tribal organizations. For-profit and foreign entities are ineligible to apply as primary recipients but may serve as subcontractors. Applications follow NIH-standard submission systems such as ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system platforms. Required components include a tailored research and career development plan, mentor statements, institutional commitment letters, and reference letters. No pre-application such as a letter of intent is required. Standard NIH application due dates apply, with applications accepted three times per year, starting February 12, 2022. The program has since expired as of March 20, 2026, though NIH allows limited late submissions under certain policies. Review of applications focuses on the candidate’s experience and potential for PCOR, quality of mentorship, strength of the proposed training and research plan, and institutional support. Evaluators also consider the inclusion of AHRQ priority populations and health equity goals. Funding decisions factor in scientific merit, alignment with agency priorities, and available budget. Award notifications typically follow within eight months after submission, and recipients are expected to report annually on progress toward career and research goals, including publication output, grants awarded, and training milestones. Candidates are encouraged to consult AHRQ staff prior to applying to ensure alignment with program requirements and agency goals. Contact can be made through [email protected], with additional administrative and grants management assistance available through designated AHRQ offices. Although the NOFO has expired, recurring interest in CER and PCOR training by AHRQ suggests potential future iterations or similar opportunities may become available.