Institutional Mentored Physician Scientist Award (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic and research institutions preparing clinically trained vision scientists for independent research careers. Eligible applicants include research institutions, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and faith-based organizations. The program supports clinicians launching careers as independent vision researchers, including those leading minimal-risk clinical trials. Scholars must be clinically trained and committed to developing vision research expertise.
This grant is for academic and research institutions preparing clinically trained vision scientists for independent research careers. Eligible applicants include research institutions, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and faith-based organizations. The program supports clinicians launching careers as independent vision researchers, including those leading minimal-risk clinical trials. Scholars must be clinically trained and committed to developing vision research expertise.
Program description
The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage institutions to propose creative and innovative institutional research career development programs which will prepare clinically trained vision scientists for independent research careers. This NOFO is intended to expand and strengthen the community of clinician investigators engaged in vision research. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) allows the appointment of Scholars proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial; or proposing a separate ancillary clinical trial; or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator as part of their research and career development program. For this career development program scholars are limited to clinical trials that are minimal risk. The existing clinical trial must be a NIH-defined clinical trial that fulfills the NIH requirement for minimal risk trial. A minimal risk trial is one in which the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests. Applicants are strongly advised to consult with NEI program staff prior to submitting an application with human subjects to determine the appropriate funding opportunity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- HBCU
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- TCU (Tribal Colleges)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for academic and research institutions preparing clinically trained vision scientists for independent research careers. Eligible applicants include research institutions, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and faith-based organizations. The program supports clinicians launching careers as independent vision researchers, including those leading minimal-risk clinical trials. Scholars must be clinically trained and committed to developing vision research expertise.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Institutional Research and Development Office certification
- Scholar's curriculum vitae
- Mentor biographies and commitment letters
- Institutional commitment letter
- Research narrative and career development plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- IRB approval or proof of submission (if human subjects)
- Letters of recommendation or support
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.867 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$73,768,606
-
$60,555,044
-
$35,143,434
-
$27,603,179
-
$22,003,615
-
$19,986,536
-
$18,103,377
-
$17,077,254
-
$16,012,672
-
$15,913,078
Top States by Funding
- MA 13 awards $156.3M
- FL 4 awards $152.1M
- CA 11 awards $119.8M
- PA 8 awards $110.1M
- NY 10 awards $108.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.867). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $696,472,579 | |
| 2025 | $702,696,370 | |
| 2026 est. | $863,753 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this career development grant?
Research institutions, HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, tribal organizations, and faith-based organizations can apply. Foreign organizations and foreign components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
What type of research does this grant support?
The program supports vision research careers for clinically trained scientists. Scholars can lead minimal-risk clinical trials, participate in clinical trials, or develop research experience as part of their career development.
What is a minimal-risk clinical trial for this grant?
Minimal-risk means the probability and magnitude of harm are no greater than encountered in daily life or routine physical examinations. Applicants should consult NEI program staff to confirm trial eligibility before submitting.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is fixed at June 9, 2026. Check with NIH for any future funding cycles or updates to this date.
Can I include clinical trial costs in my budget?
Yes, if your proposed clinical trial meets the minimal-risk definition. Contact NEI program staff early to confirm your trial qualifies and discuss budget planning.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact NEI program staff before submitting if your application includes human subjects research. They can confirm your trial meets minimal-risk criteria and advise on the appropriate funding mechanism.
- Emphasize how your institutional research environment will support the Scholar's career development beyond the project period. Demonstrate institutional commitment and mentoring infrastructure.
- Detail the Scholar's clinical background and explain their path toward independent research. Show clear career progression and research trajectory.
- If proposing a clinical trial, provide evidence it meets NIH's minimal-risk definition. Provide specific details about participant interactions and risk assessment.
- Build in time for IRB review and approval. Clinical trials require additional oversight that can delay application timelines.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trials that exceed minimal-risk threshold without IRB clarification or NEI consultation. Insufficient detail on the Scholar's career development pathway and post-award independence plan. Underestimating institutional support requirements; reviewers expect robust mentoring and research infrastructure commitments.
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