National K12 Program for the Career Development of Clinician-Scientists in Diabetes Research (Diabetes-DOCS)
Can you apply?
This grant is for physicians committed to a career in diabetes research. Applicants must be appointed and supported at institutions around the country. The program focuses primarily on Type 1 Diabetes research, with potential Type 2 Diabetes support starting in year two.
Scholars may not serve as lead investigators on independent clinical trials. However, scholars may participate in clinical trials under an experienced mentor's leadership.
This is a career development program administered through a national administrative center. Individual scholars are supported at their home institutions across the United States.
Key dates
- Dec 29, 2025 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2026 Application deadline in 18 days
- Apr 1, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The NIDDK seeks to advance its mission by funding a program to support the career development of physicians committed to a career in diabetes research. The program is intended to remedy the dearth of pediatric endocrinologists and physicians from other specialties conducting innovative research into the causes and consequences of diabetes. Although there will be one national administrative center awardee, scholars are expected to be appointed and supported at their home institutions around the country. The program will have a focus on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research, with the major funding from the Statutory Special Diabetes Program https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/diabetes/type-1-diabetes-special-statutory-funding-program/about-special-diabetes-program. Starting in the second year, the program may add additional funds if available to support the career development of physicians whose research focuses on innovative projects in type 2 diabetes. The program is expected to deliver on goals to increase the number of physician scientists with independent research careers in the mission of NIDDK https://www.niddk.nih.gov/research-funding/research-programs#diabetes.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not allow Scholars to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial. However, Scholars may engage in clinical trials as part of their research and career development if those trials are led by an experienced mentor. For example, Scholars may propose a separate ancillary study to an ongoing clinical trial; or propose a new trial which is led by a collaborator or mentor.
Grant authorities that allow NIDDK to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
This NOFO is supported under the authority of P.L. 118-158, American Relief Act, 2025; Division C, Section 3102. Extension of special diabetes programs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- NIH Form 424 (R&R) or equivalent
- Project narrative/research proposal
- Mentor and institutional commitment letters
- Curriculum vitae
Program contact
- 👤 Lisa M. Spain, Ph.D.
- 📧 spainl@nih.gov
- 📞 301-451-9871
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.847 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$152,979,352
-
$112,529,392
-
$66,521,567
-
$45,186,589
-
$37,867,943
-
$37,490,770
-
$34,242,949
-
$31,624,784
-
$31,124,496
-
$31,065,476
Top States by Funding
- FL 2 awards $184.1M
- MA 6 awards $165.7M
- PA 6 awards $165.0M
- NY 4 awards $143.8M
- MD 2 awards $143.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.847). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,971,472,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,043,166,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $111,289,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Physicians committed to diabetes research careers. Applicants must be appointed at institutions nationwide and willing to conduct research under the program structure.
What type of research does this program support?
Primarily Type 1 Diabetes research, with Type 2 Diabetes support added in year two if funds are available. Scholars conduct innovative diabetes research.
Can scholars lead their own clinical trials?
No, scholars cannot serve as lead investigators on independent clinical trials. Scholars may participate in trials led by mentors or collaborators.
What is the funding structure?
The program has a national administrative center and supports individual scholars at home institutions. Total funding pool is $3 million.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 1, 2026, with no rolling acceptance or other deadline windows indicated.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your commitment to a long-term diabetes research career and how this program advances that goal.
- Identify a strong mentor or collaborator if clinical research is part of your proposal; explain their role clearly.
- Connect your research to unmet needs in pediatric endocrinology or physician scientist workforce gaps.
- Clearly delineate Type 1 versus Type 2 focus based on program year and funding availability.
- Highlight institutional support and resources available at your home institution for your career development.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack a clear long-term career development plan or fail to articulate commitment to independent research. Applications that propose scholars leading independent clinical trials, which violates program restrictions. Weak mentor relationships or unclear mentor roles in supporting scholarship and research direction.
Similar grants
- OPEN Rural Community Health Integration2026 — New York State Department of Health
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN Infertility Training Center — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health