Institutional Mentored Career Development Award (K12)
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers seeking mentored training within an academic institution. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral fellows, early-career scientists, and junior faculty at NIH-supported institutions. Applicants must have a specific research career development plan and identified mentor(s). The grant supports up to 5 years of mentored research experience leading to research independence.
This program is available at any NIH-supported institution with strong research infrastructure. International applicants may be eligible under certain conditions. Applicants must commit to developing an independent research career in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.
Key dates
- Feb 6, 2026 Applications open
- Jun 12, 2026 Application deadline in 10 days
- Dec 26, 2026 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for early-career researchers seeking mentored training within an academic institution. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral fellows, early-career scientists, and junior faculty at NIH-supported institutions. Applicants must have a specific research career development plan and identified mentor(s). The grant supports up to 5 years of mentored research experience leading to research independence.
This program is available at any NIH-supported institution with strong research infrastructure. International applicants may be eligible under certain conditions. Applicants must commit to developing an independent research career in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.
Program description
The purpose of this program is to support institutional career development awards designed to prepare newly trained clinicians who have made a commitment to independent research careers, and to facilitate their transition to more advanced support mechanisms, e.g., K08 and K23. The awards are made to institutions that select and then appoint scholars to the program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for early-career researchers seeking mentored training within an academic institution. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral fellows, early-career scientists, and junior faculty at NIH-supported institutions. Applicants must have a specific research career development plan and identified mentor(s). The grant supports up to 5 years of mentored research experience leading to research independence.
This program is available at any NIH-supported institution with strong research infrastructure. International applicants may be eligible under certain conditions. Applicants must commit to developing an independent research career in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative
- Biographical Sketch (for applicant and mentor)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Support Letter
- Mentor Commitment Letter
- Training Plan or Career Development Plan
- Letters of Reference
Program contact
- 👤 DBRW
- 📧 researchtraining@nih.gov
- 📞 Contact via Email
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.310 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$973,507,476
-
$383,462,829
-
$190,396,050
-
$179,743,190
-
$169,422,678
-
$167,922,818
-
$143,679,156
-
$134,358,531
-
$115,739,255
-
$91,722,927
Top States by Funding
- NC 5 awards $1,419.5M
- WA 1 awards $383.5M
- MD 2 awards $303.8M
- NY 3 awards $192.1M
- NJ 1 awards $179.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.310). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,174,839,078 | |
| 2025 | $1,062,277,534 | |
| 2026 est. | $28,100,048 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Postdoctoral fellows, early-career scientists, and junior faculty with up to 10 years of relevant training. You must have a U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status.
What is the application deadline?
NIH typically uses receipt dates rather than single deadlines. Standard receipt dates are usually published annually; check NIH.gov for current dates.
What research areas are supported?
This program funds mentored research in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and health sciences. Research must align with NIH mission areas.
How competitive is this grant?
K12 awards are moderately to highly competitive. Success depends on mentor strength, institutional support, and research plan quality.
What is the typical funding amount?
K-series grants typically provide $50,000-$100,000 annually, depending on the award type and research needs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify a strong mentor with active NIH funding and commitment to your development.
- Develop a detailed 5-year career development plan showing clear progression to independence.
- Emphasize institutional mentoring resources, training environment, and commitment to supporting your career.
- Build a strong research proposal with feasible aims tied to your long-term research goals.
- Address how this award bridges your postdoctoral training to an independent research career.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak mentor support or mentors without active NIH funding. Unclear career trajectory or research plan lacking specificity about independence goals. Insufficient institutional commitment or inadequate training infrastructure at your institution.
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