Lasker Clinical Research Scholar's Program (Si2/R00 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program, administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is designed to support the career development of promising clinical researchers in the early stages of their independent careers. As a flagship initiative of the NIH, this program aims to enhance the cadre of clinician-scientists who are equipped to tackle some of the most complex challenges in human health. The program is structured to create a bridge between NIH's intramural research environment and the extramural research community, allowing awardees to benefit from both realms as they grow into research leaders. This opportunity, categorized under PAR-26-114, is forecasted for release on April 1, 2026, with applications due by August 28, 2026. The estimated award and project start date is July 1, 2027. The program provides dual-phase support. In the first phase, Lasker Scholars are appointed as tenure-track investigators within the NIH Intramural Research Program for a period of up to five to seven years. Scholars are provided with independent research budgets and access to NIH's extensive research infrastructure. Upon successful completion of the intramural phase, scholars may transition to the extramural phase, where they can receive up to three additional years of NIH funding to support research at an external institution. Alternatively, they may remain in the intramural program, subject to approval and continued performance. The Lasker Scholars Program is designed to foster innovation and scientific discovery across a wide range of health-related fields. The Notice of Funding Opportunity includes activity codes Si2 and R00 and allows optional clinical trials. It supports research across numerous NIH Institutes and Centers, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, child health, infectious diseases, lung diseases, minority health, and sleep disorders. The program is associated with multiple assistance listings (e.g., 93.173, 93.213, 93.398, and others), reflecting its broad interdisciplinary scope. The estimated number of awards is five, and each award is expected to be $499,000. This figure is both the ceiling and floor, indicating a standardized award level per scholar. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Applications are expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures via Grants.gov, and all components of a complete NIH application are required. These may include a cover letter, biosketches, budget justification, research plan, and institutional support letters, among others. There is no mention of additional pre-application stages such as letters of intent or concept papers. Eligibility for this program is highly inclusive, encompassing a wide variety of organizational types. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based special district governments, city and township governments, state governments, county governments, federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. For-profit organizations are also eligible. However, non-U.S. entities are explicitly ineligible to apply. For inquiries regarding the Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program, applicants are directed to contact the program administrator via email at [email protected]. While no specific phone number or PDF link is provided in the forecast notice, interested parties should monitor Grants.gov for the release of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) document in April 2026. The program is expected to recur annually, and therefore offers a valuable and ongoing opportunity for clinician-scientists looking to secure stable research support in both government and academic settings.