The purpose of the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is to support rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for up to three years for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must submit their application up to one year prior to beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins (resubmissions included). The ACE K32 will foster early, goal-directed planning and encourage innovative applications with the potential for a significant impact on scientific research and career development. Inclusion of preliminary data are not required as the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health lists this opportunity for nonprofit applicant type listed. Review the coded eligibility, award range, source synopsis, and official notice before deciding whether to apply.
Deadline
July 12, 2029
995 days remaining
Award range
—
official range may be incomplete
Applicant signal
Nonprofit applicant type listed
the official notice controls eligibility
- 00 — State governments
- 01 — County governments
- 02 — City or township governments
- 04 — Special district governments
- 05 — Independent school districts
- 06 — Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- 07 — Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- 08 — Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- 11 — Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments
- 12 — 501(c)(3) nonprofits other than institutions of higher education
- 13 — Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education
- 20 — Private institutions of higher education
- 22 — For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- 23 — Small businesses
- 25 — Other applicants; see the official eligibility clarification
These are high-level Grants.gov codes. Additional eligibility text, geographic restrictions, and program-specific rules in the official notice can narrow them.
- Confirm entity eligibility in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.
- Check SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration requirements and timing.
- Read every attachment for matching, cost-share, geography, and award conditions.
- Verify the exact deadline time and any agency-specific submission portal.
Want the opportunities that fit your work?
FunderFit compares your program with live federal opportunities and application-ready foundations, then delivers a ranked, source-labeled shortlist.
Source: Grants.gov daily XML extract, 2026-10-21 extract. This page reproduces selected public listing fields for research convenience. The official Notice of Funding Opportunity and agency instructions control. This product uses the Grants.gov API but is not endorsed or certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.