The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.
The NIH HEAL InitiativeSM Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance the diversity of the research workforce and support a new generation of researchers focusing on Pain and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) research. Through assisting in the transition of postdoctoral researchers to tenure-track or equivalent independent positions, the program seeks to grow the pool of diverse, independent investigators in these critical areas. The grant specifically supports those not leading an independent clinical trial but allows for participation in clinical trials led by mentors. It provides a path to independent research funding in efforts supported by the NIH HEAL InitiativeSM.