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 grant program administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AHRQ’s overarching mission is to enhance the quality, accessibility, equity, and cost-effectiveness of health care in the United States. This program aligns with AHRQ’s commitment to fostering the development of mid-career and senior researchers by expanding their methodological skills in comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). This opportunity reflects a strategic effort to support research capacity among established professionals to address pressing healthcare delivery challenges, disparities, and system redesign. The K18 award targets individuals holding associate or full professor ranks (or equivalents in non-academic settings) who have demonstrated a track record of independent, peer-reviewed research funding but are seeking an intensive, mentored research experience to pivot or deepen their expertise in PCOR. The primary objective is to build new capabilities through structured mentorship and career development. Candidates are expected to dedicate a minimum of 50% full-time effort over a 6 to 24-month period. This support allows investigators to refine methodological techniques, expand their research scope, or build collaborations in new areas of PCOR. Applications may include, but are not limited to, methodological training in comparative clinical effectiveness, health equity, and care delivery innovation. AHRQ emphasizes two critical domains for candidate focus: reducing disparities in healthcare outcomes among racial, ethnic, and underserved populations; and evaluating and comparing healthcare delivery system designs. Proposals should center on research with clear applications to U.S. health care delivery and outcomes, incorporating evidence-based methods and a stakeholder-engaged approach. Candidates may propose research in diverse topics such as primary care models, digital health tools, diagnostic error prevention, and integration of social determinants of health into care delivery. Applications must include a mentoring plan, a research strategy aligned with the candidate's enhancement goals, and a commitment from the host institution to provide the necessary support and resources. Funding under this award includes up to $275,000 in total costs per year, inclusive of salary and program-related expenses such as tuition, research supplies, travel, and limited mentor compensation. AHRQ reimburses indirect costs at 8% of modified total direct costs. The total project duration must be between six and twenty-four months. Projects may include clinical trials if appropriately justified. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement, though institutional support is encouraged and should be described in the application narrative. Applications follow the standard SF424 (R&R) submission process and must be submitted through one of the approved electronic systems such as ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system platforms. Applications are accepted on standard due dates (February 12, June 12, October 12), with reviews typically occurring four months post-submission and funding decisions announced thereafter. Recipients must comply with requirements for data sharing, human subjects protection, and public access to funded publications. Consultation with AHRQ staff prior to submission is strongly recommended to ensure responsiveness to agency priorities. Contact for scientific/research questions is the AHRQ Division of Research Education via [email protected]. For grants management, the contact is Galen Gregor at [email protected]. This funding opportunity remains open through July 13, 2026, under NOFO Number PA-22-051. The next recurring application cycle is expected in June 2026.