Lasker Clinical Research Scholar’s Program (Si2/R00 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career clinical researchers who have completed clinical training and are ready to lead independent research. Applicants must hold an M.D., D.O., or equivalent clinical degree. They should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents employed by an eligible U.S. institution with CTSA support. The program supports clinical research across the full spectrum of NIH-relevant topics, including translational and patient-oriented research.
Researchers must demonstrate a mentorship plan and institutional support. No prior independent research funding is required. The program focuses on establishing investigators who will develop a sustainable research career in clinical science.
Key dates
- Jan 22, 2026 Applications open
- Aug 28, 2026 Application deadline in 76 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
This NOFO encourages applications for the Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program. The program supports the research activities of clinical researchers during the early stages of their independent careers as they work to improve human health. The program offers the opportunity for a unique bridge between the NIH intramural and extramural research communities and contains two phases. In the first phase, Lasker Scholars will receive appointments for up to 5-7 years as tenure-track investigators within the NIH Intramural Research Program with independent research budgets. In the second phase, successful scholars will receive up to 3 years of NIH support for their research at an extramural research facility; or, the Scholar can be considered to remain as an investigator within the intramural program.
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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NIH Form 398 or SF-424 (R&R) application
- Research Narrative (specific page limits per NIH instructions)
- Budget narrative and justification
- Mentor and co-mentor letters of support
- Institutional support letter
- Biosketch for applicant and mentors
- References and letters of recommendation
Program contact
- 👤 Lasker Scholar program administrator
- 📧 laskergrants@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.855 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$438,527,853
-
$246,626,852
-
$204,359,786
-
$201,437,825
-
$200,221,259
-
$185,816,804
-
$180,737,624
-
$136,265,880
-
$116,817,868
-
$99,478,296
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $818.8M
- WA 3 awards $684.0M
- MA 6 awards $602.8M
- NC 3 awards $446.4M
- NY 7 awards $375.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.855). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,073,812,529 | |
| 2025 | $4,378,235,639 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,299,426,996 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Early-career clinicians with M.D., D.O., or equivalent clinical degree. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have completed clinical training.
What types of research are supported?
Clinical research including translational, patient-oriented, and outcome studies. Clinical trials are optional but supported.
What does the award provide?
Salary support, research allowance, and funding for mentorship activities. Awards are designed to bridge postdoctoral training and independent research.
How competitive is this program?
Highly competitive. Reviewers assess research innovation, clinical relevance, mentorship plan, and institutional commitment.
What is the typical award duration and amount?
Awards typically provide 5 years of support with salary and research costs combined. Check the NIH website for current funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a realistic research plan that can be executed during the award period and extended beyond.
- Identify a strong mentor and describe their involvement in your research development clearly.
- Address clinical relevance and explain why your research matters to patient care or clinical practice.
- Secure written institutional support letters that commit resources and protected research time.
- Demonstrate career trajectory: show how this award launches independence, not continuation of prior training.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research that appears continuation of postdoctoral work rather than independent direction. Weak mentorship plan or mentor commitment letters that lack specifics about how mentors will support independence.
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