NCI Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K08 Clinical Trial Required)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award, also known as the K08 award. This grant is designed to equip individuals to contribute significantly to the health-related research needs of the nation, particularly in the fields of biomedical and behavioral research. It provides an intensive career development experience through guided research, targeting individuals who hold a clinical doctoral degree.

The K08 award is a continuation of a long-established National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative that offers support and ensured time for clinical doctoral degree holders to undergo an intensive career development experience in research. The grant's special focus is on clinical scientists from backgrounds that are nationally underrepresented in health-related science, and those dedicated to a career in basic biomedical, behavioral or translational cancer research, including research on cancer health disparities.

The award is perceived as a significant stepping stone for recipients, preparing them to compete more effectively for research project grants, such as R03, R21, or R01 funding. The NCI projects that through this substantial period of research career development and training, awardees will acquire enhanced research capabilities and be better positioned for successful cancer research careers.