NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) is a program designed to support postdoctoral fellows who don't require extended mentored research training beyond their doctorate. This program aims to facilitate a smooth transition for these fellows from their mentored positions to independent roles, such as tenure-track faculty positions.

This award specifically targets early-stage researchers in the fields of cancer control, cancer prevention and cancer data sciences. It provides research support during the transitional period to help establish successful independent research careers. This funding opportunity intends to bolster the number of talented investigators supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The grant is limited to research involving basic science experimental studies on humans, also known as prospective basic science studies involving human participants. These studies qualify as clinical trials under NIH guidelines but also fall under the category of basic research. The experimental approach should aim to enhance understanding of fundamental phenomena without an immediate application to processes or products.

Researchers should design studies where human participants are intentionally assigned to conditions (experimental variables are manipulated), and biomedical or behavioral outcomes are assessed, providing insights into fundamental aspects of phenomena.

If researchers are not planning an independent clinical trial or basic experimental study involving human participants, or if they aim to gain experience in a such trial led by another investigator, they should apply to the 'Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed' NOFO (PAR-23-286). This grant strongly encourages researchers to collaborate with their institutions during the application process.