Career Transition Award for NINDS Intramural Clinician-Scientists (K22 Clinical Trial Required)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers who are transitioning from intramural positions at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to independent research positions in academic or research institutions. Applicants must have MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent credentials with clinical training and a demonstrated commitment to conducting clinical research in neurology, neuroscience, or related neurological conditions. The program requires applicants to propose a clinical trial as their primary research project. Geographic scope is U.S.-based institutions (extramural), and activities supported include development of independent research programs, mentorship in clinical trial design, and establishment of competitive research initiatives led by the transitioning clinician-scientist.
This grant is for researchers who are transitioning from intramural positions at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to independent research positions in academic or research institutions. Applicants must have MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent credentials with clinical training and a demonstrated commitment to conducting clinical research in neurology, neuroscience, or related neurological conditions. The program requires applicants to propose a clinical trial as their primary research project. Geographic scope is U.S.-based institutions (extramural), and activities supported include development of independent research programs, mentorship in clinical trial design, and establishment of competitive research initiatives led by the transitioning clinician-scientist.
Program description
The objective of the NIH Career Transition Award (K22) is to provide support to outstanding basic or clinical investigators to develop their independent research skills through a two phase program: an initial period involving an intramural appointment at the NIH and a final period of support at an extramural institution. This NINDS K22 is specifically designed to facilitate the transition of NINDS intramural neurologist- and neurosurgeon-scientists to independent, academic faculty positions that support clinician-scientists to engage in independently funded scientific research as well as clinical activities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for researchers who are transitioning from intramural positions at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to independent research positions in academic or research institutions. Applicants must have MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent credentials with clinical training and a demonstrated commitment to conducting clinical research in neurology, neuroscience, or related neurological conditions. The program requires applicants to propose a clinical trial as their primary research project. Geographic scope is U.S.-based institutions (extramural), and activities supported include development of independent research programs, mentorship in clinical trial design, and establishment of competitive research initiatives led by the transitioning clinician-scientist.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NIH SF-424 (R&R) application form
- Project narrative (research plan) including clinical trial protocol and justification
- Detailed budget and budget narrative for 5-year project period
- Biographical sketch of applicant (NIH format)
- Research strategy document
- Letters of support and commitment from receiving institution (department chair, mentor, institutional leadership)
- Evidence of transition plan from NINDS intramural to extramural position
- Preliminary data and publication list demonstrating research productivity
- Mentoring and career development plan
- NIH Biosketch for primary mentor at new institution
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$82,511,281
-
$67,362,785
-
$62,646,087
-
$56,144,651
-
$45,268,737
-
$40,959,789
-
$35,655,349
-
$35,655,116
-
$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
Top States by Funding
- MA 6 awards $186.5M
- CA 4 awards $129.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MN 2 awards $99.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this K22 award?
This award is specifically for researchers transitioning from NINDS intramural positions to extramural positions at universities, medical schools, or research institutions. Applicants must have clinical training and research credentials (MD, DO, or PhD).
What is the application deadline and how often does it occur?
The deadline is November 12, 2027, with applications opening December 2, 2024. NIH typically opens similar awards on an annual cycle, though specific timing can vary.
What kind of research activities does this grant support?
The award supports the development of an independent, investigator-initiated clinical trial or clinical research program in neurological disorders. Applicants must propose original research that expands beyond their intramural work.
How competitive is this award and what is the typical funding range?
K22 awards are moderately to highly competitive. NIH career development awards typically fund $100,000–$200,000 total costs per year for 5 years, though exact amounts depend on the research proposal and institution.
Are there specific documentation requirements beyond a standard grant application?
Yes, applicants must submit evidence of their transition plan, letters of support from the receiving institution, a detailed clinical trial protocol or research plan, and documentation of their NINDS intramural background.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your unique transition story: explain what you accomplished at NINDS intramural and why this is an ideal next step for your career and research program.
- Center your proposal on a well-designed clinical trial with clear scientific rationale, feasibility, and timeline—the clinical trial requirement is non-negotiable for this award.
- Secure strong institutional support from your receiving organization early; letters from department chairs and mentors confirming resources and protected time are critical.
- Demonstrate financial sustainability for your research program beyond the K22 period by describing preliminary data, future grant strategies, and long-term career goals.
- Budget realistically for a 5-year project; allocate funds for staff, equipment, patient recruitment, and clinical trial management, and explain how your institution will leverage its existing resources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack a rigorous, feasible clinical trial protocol or propose research that is too incremental compared to the applicant's intramural work. Weak institutional commitment from the receiving organization—evidenced by vague letters of support or insufficient resources allocated—is another frequent reason for rejection. Additionally, applicants sometimes underestimate the competitive nature of the award by submitting poorly developed preliminary data or failing to clearly articulate their independent research vision separate from their NINDS mentors.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- ROLLING Rail Industrial Access Grant (RIA) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation