The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Mentored Career Development Program for Early Stage Investigators Using Nonhuman Primate Research Models (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This opportunity, identified as PAR-23-073, is administered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives within the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP). It seeks to support early-stage investigators by providing a structured, mentored career development program focused on the use of nonhuman primate (NHP) models in translational biomedical research. The program aims to expand the number of highly trained scientists capable of utilizing NHPs in preclinical studies and translating their findings into clinical applications.

The funding opportunity is specifically designed for applicants who do not intend to lead an independent clinical trial but may participate in one under the guidance of a mentor or co-mentor. It offers up to five years of support, providing early-career researchers with protected time to develop expertise in preclinical NHP research. The FOA is particularly focused on addressing the need for trained professionals in various fields where NHP models play a crucial role, including infectious diseases, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and aging research. Given the concerns about declining scientific expertise in the U.S. regarding NHP models, this program seeks to ensure a sustainable workforce with the necessary knowledge to conduct high-quality biomedical research.

The award includes financial support for salary and research-related expenses. The NIH will contribute up to $75,000 per year for the recipient’s salary and up to $100,000 annually for research-related costs such as supplies, travel, tuition, and personnel. The program requires a full-time commitment of at least 75% effort towards research activities. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a rate of 8% of modified total direct costs.

Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence. They must hold a doctoral degree in research, veterinary, or health-related sciences and be within ten years of their terminal professional degree or residency at the time of application. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, nonprofit entities, for-profit businesses (including small businesses), and various government agencies. The applicant must also be affiliated with an accredited NHP research facility, such as a National Primate Research Center, or demonstrate collaboration with such an institution.

Applications are accepted on a standard NIH submission schedule, with the earliest due date being February 12, 2023. The FOA remains open until January 8, 2026. Submissions must follow the instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications via the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution. The evaluation process includes peer review, advisory council review, and funding decisions based on scientific merit, institutional commitment, and the availability of funds.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact scientific program officers from the participating NIH institutes, including Dr. Jyothi Arikkath (NIAID), Dr. Manuel Moro (NIA), and Dr. Bruce Fuchs (ORIP). Additional contacts are available for financial, grants management, and peer review support. More details regarding submission guidelines, eligibility, and research expectations are provided in the full FOA document available on the NIH website.