World Trade Center Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01)
🏛 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA (HHS-CDC-HHSCDCERA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career investigators developing independent research careers focused on 9/11 health impacts. Applicants must be research scientists or equivalent researchers with mentorship and protected research time. The award supports three years of mentored career development for investigators pursuing research on physical, mental health, aging, diagnostic, treatment, or clinical care improvements related to September 11 exposures.
Eligible research includes epidemiologic, clinical, translational, preclinical, health services, and implementation studies. Projects should address health effects of 9/11 exposure, examine emerging health concerns, or translate findings into improved care and public health practice. Research is limited to populations affected by 9/11; generalizability to other groups is not required.
Applicants must secure a mentor institution and demonstrate a clear career development plan. At least 75 percent protected research time is required during the award period.
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Key dates
- Jul 2, 2026 Applications open
- Dec 8, 2026 Application deadline in 145 days
- Jun 26, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program K01 Award supports early-career investigators in developing independent research careers focused on improving the health and well-being of populations affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (9/11). This award provides up to three years of mentored research and career development support, including at least 75 percent protected time. The program supports research that improves understanding of physical and mental health effects associated with 9/11 exposures, addresses diagnostic or treatment uncertainty, identifies emerging health concerns, examines aging among exposed populations, and informs improvements in clinical care, public health practice, and long-term health outcomes. Research that helps translate scientific findings into improved care and public health practice is encouraged. Responsive research may include epidemiologic, clinical, translational, preclinical, health services, health outcomes, diagnostic, treatment, prevention, quality-of-life, and implementation research. Generalizability to other populations is not required. The award also supports the development of the next generation of investigators needed to address health needs related to 9/11 exposure. More information, including the WTC Health Program Research Agenda and previously funded projects, is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/researchagenda.html and https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/fundingdashboard.html.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- 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 Federal Application for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Biosketch (NIH Format)
- Mentor Biosketch and Commitment Letter
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Institutional Support Letter documenting 75% protected time
- References and Letters of Reference (typically 3-5)
Program contact
- 👤 James Yiin, PhD, Scientific Program Official
- 📧 jcy5@cdc.gov
- 📞 513-841-4271
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.262 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$119,835,396
-
$84,316,965
-
$32,293,512
-
$31,307,359
-
$31,273,504
-
$31,109,864
-
$30,624,479
-
$30,094,184
-
$29,920,153
-
$29,746,441
Top States by Funding
- NY 22 awards $229.1M
- MD 3 awards $121.4M
- CA 6 awards $109.6M
- MA 6 awards $80.8M
- MI 3 awards $76.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.262). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $130,993,880 | |
| 2025 | $127,849,749 | |
| 2026 est. | $113,003,523 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Early-career investigators with research scientist or equivalent positions. You must have secured an institutional mentor and cleared institutional barriers to independent research. Advanced postdocs and clinical researchers can also be eligible.
What is the funding amount and duration?
Up to $189,000 for up to three years of support. The award provides both research funding and salary support for 75 percent protected research time.
What types of research are eligible?
Studies on 9/11 health impacts including epidemiologic, clinical, translational, mental health, aging, diagnostic, treatment, and implementation research. Projects must focus on populations exposed to September 11 events.
How competitive is this award?
Moderately to highly competitive. Strong applications include clear career development plans, established mentor relationships, and innovative research addressing gaps in 9/11 health knowledge.
What if I was rejected before?
Reapplication is allowed. Strengthen your proposal by addressing reviewer feedback, enhancing mentor support, and clarifying your career trajectory.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish a strong mentor-mentee relationship before applying. Your mentor's track record and commitment significantly influence reviewer decisions.
- Clearly articulate your transition to independence. Show concrete steps and timeline for developing your own research program beyond this award.
- Align your research with the WTC Health Program Research Agenda. Review previously funded projects on the CDC WTC website to understand priority areas.
- Dedicate significant effort to the career development plan. Reviewers carefully evaluate training, course work, and skill-building activities proposed.
- Demonstrate protected research time explicitly. Secure institutional commitment for at least 75 percent of your effort during the award period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak mentor selection or unclear mentorship plan. Applications fail when mentors lack relevant expertise, commitment, or track record in 9/11 health research.
Vague career development objectives. Describe specific, measurable milestones for transitioning to research independence with clear timelines.
Insufficient connection to 9/11 affected populations. Projects must directly address health impacts of September 11 exposure, not use it as tangential context.
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