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 NIAID Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program aims to bolster and sustain a robust group of new, talented independent physician-scientists. It is crafted to expedite the transition of exceptional postdoctoral researchers with clinical doctorate degrees from mentored positions to autonomous roles in academia or similar environments. This initiative provides foundational research support during this critical period to assist recipients in establishing competitive independent research trajectories. This is targeted at addressing the shortage in the national physician-scientist workforce. The program is delineated for candidates pursuing research outside of leading independent clinical trials, offering an alternative path for those involved in clinical trials under the guidance of a mentor.