NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 24 316

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 316

The NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed), funding opportunity number PAR-24-316, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development grant run through the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Its main purpose is to strengthen and broaden the cancer research workforce by supporting scientists from diverse backgrounds, with particular emphasis on individuals from groups that are nationally underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, social, and clinical sciences. In practical terms, the program is meant to increase diversity of perspectives and approaches in NCI-funded cancer research by giving promising investigators the time, mentorship, and resources to become more competitive and independent as researchers.

The award is structured as a mentored research scientist development mechanism, meaning it is not simply a research project grant. Instead, it pays for a sustained period of "protected time" so the awardee can focus heavily on career development activities, intensive research training, and building a strong publication and funding track record under the guidance of an experienced mentor (and, if needed, co-mentors). Alongside salary support, the FOA also provides research support intended to help the candidate carry out the proposed research and training plan in a way that accelerates their progression toward research independence in cancer-related fields.

A key boundary in this specific FOA is the clinical trial limitation. This version is intended for applicants whose proposed work does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or serving as the lead investigator on an ancillary study tied to a clinical trial. However, it still allows candidates to gain clinical trial-related experience as part of their development, as long as the trial itself is led by the mentor or co-mentor. If an applicant plans to lead a clinical trial or lead an ancillary clinical trial study, they are directed to apply to the companion FOA designed for that purpose rather than this "independent clinical trial not allowed" announcement.

Eligibility on the applicant organization side is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based entities that commonly apply for NIH grants. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and a range of nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), as well as for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional institution types that are often closely aligned with the diversity mission, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the announcement is explicit about foreign involvement restrictions. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, and foreign components (as defined by NIH policy) are not allowed under this FOA. In other words, the applicant organization and the supported activities need to remain within the allowable U.S. organizational and project component boundaries described by NIH.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the Education and Health activity area, associated with CFDA number 93.398. The opportunity was created on November 18, 2024, and lists an original closing date of January 7, 2028. The source information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants typically need to consult the full FOA text and NIH guidance for budget structure, allowable costs, project period details, and any institute-specific funding priorities or pay plan considerations.

Overall, PAR-24-316 is designed for early-career or developing investigators who need mentored time and support to solidify a cancer research trajectory, with a strong emphasis on enhancing workforce diversity and ensuring that recipients can devote concentrated effort to research and professional development without the added responsibility of leading an independent clinical trial during the award period.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.398.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-11-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2028-01-07.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 24 316

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