Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers with a research doctorate (PhD, MD, DO, or equivalent) who seek protected time to develop their research skills under an experienced mentor. Applicants must be sponsored by an active NIH grantee institution. The award supports five years of salary, mentoring, and research expenses to prepare candidates for independent research careers. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders at domestic institutions are eligible.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Key dates
- Aug 13, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 12, 2027 Application deadline in 399 days
- Jul 1, 2028 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award provides support for a sustained period of protected time (up to five years) for intensive research career development under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The award is expected to prepare candidates with research doctoral degrees for future research independence.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- 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
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Research Strategy
- Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketch (NIH format)
- Letters of Support from Mentor and Endorsers
- Institutional Support Letter
- Vertebrate Animals or Human Subjects protocols (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Biomedical Research Workforce
- 📧 NIHTrain@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via email
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.113 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$200,640,187
-
$49,744,439
-
$34,621,574
-
$33,491,440
-
$32,769,976
-
$32,623,202
-
$31,997,307
-
$31,263,603
-
$29,228,555
-
$29,027,951
Top States by Funding
- NC 11 awards $374.6M
- NY 11 awards $188.2M
- CA 8 awards $121.7M
- MA 5 awards $53.1M
- WA 3 awards $49.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.113). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $445,816,844 | |
| 2025 | $465,862,818 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,301,265 |
FAQ
Who is eligible for the KR1 award?
You need a research doctorate (PhD, MD, or equivalent) and sponsorship from an NIH-funded researcher. Postdocs and early-career researchers transitioning to independence are ideal candidates.
What are the key deadlines?
The next deadline is October 12, 2027. Check NIH for rolling or multiple deadlines per year.
What does the award fund?
The KR1 funds your salary, mentoring, and research expenses for up to five years of protected research time.
How competitive is this award?
Very competitive. Your mentor's track record, your research plan, and institutional commitment all matter significantly.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts vary by field and institution. Request amounts proportional to your research plan and institution's research infrastructure.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Choose a mentor with strong NIH funding history and demonstrated commitment to your development. Your mentor's credibility directly affects your competitiveness.
- Show a clear research plan that is independent from your mentor's work but benefits from their mentorship. Define specific career milestones.
- Include detailed letters from your mentor and other senior scientists. These letters should address your potential for independence.
- Demonstrate institutional support through letters from department chairs and research leadership. This shows the institution will protect your research time.
- Build a realistic career trajectory that transitions from mentored to independent research. Explain how the five years will prepare you for an R01 or equivalent.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear independence from the mentor's research, appearing derivative rather than distinct. Weak mentor letters that don't detail developmental activities or don't address past mentee success. Missing institutional commitment letters or vague promises about protected research time.
Similar grants
- OPEN Mentored Clinician Research Scientist Career Development Award (KC1) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 – Independent Clinical Trial Required) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 – Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIOSH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA