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Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PA-24-179

View the official notice on Grants.gov
203 days left (deadline May 7, 2027)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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Key facts

Opportunity numberPA-24-179
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.121, 93.273, 93.279, 93.313, 93.310, 93.866, 93.853
PostedApr 24, 2024
DeadlineMay 7, 2027
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryEducation
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

The purpose of the NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) is to foster the development of outstanding scientists and enable them to expand their potential to make significant contributions to their field of research. The K02 award provides three to five years of salary support and "protected time" for newly independent scientists who can demonstrate the need for a period of intensive research focus as a means of enhancing their research careers. Each independent scientist career award program must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate.This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator. Applicants proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion FOA

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Special district governments
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • County governments
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • State governments
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Independent school districts
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • Small businesses
  • Private colleges and universities
  • City or township governments

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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