NIH is ending a key grant for budding clinical researchers
Agency will no longer allow K career awards to fund clinical trials
"NIH this week announced the ban on clinical trial funding for K award recipients as part of an effort to simplify the grants meant to help early- and mid-career researchers who have mentors become independent investigators. Starting in July 2027, the awards can still be used to gain clinical trial experience in a study led by a mentor, but not to directly fund any clinical trials. The change is intended “to better align K awards with their primary purpose of career development,” the notice says. If a K recipient wants to run a trial, they must find other funding from NIH or sources such as foundations."
For the full article: https://www.science.org/content/article/nih-ending-key-grant-budding-clinical-researchers
Modified on August 25, 2026