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
Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - 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
May 7, 2027
198 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.
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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.