The *NIOSH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)*, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), supports early-career scientists seeking research independence in occupational safety and health. The award is designed to provide a mentored, career development opportunity with 75% protected time for intensive research training. Its goal is to foster the development of scientists capable of addressing critical occupational safety and health challenges through impactful, independent research.

This funding opportunity supports research that addresses NIOSH’s mission to prevent worker injury, illness, and death. Applicants must articulate the burden of occupational health issues their research targets, demonstrate the need for the proposed activities, and describe the anticipated impact on worker health outcomes. Projects are expected to align with NIOSH’s strategic goals, including reducing occupational respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries while promoting healthy work design. NIOSH’s research framework is guided by the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), which sets priorities based on industry sectors and cross-sector health and safety issues.

The award has a budget limit of $100,000 in direct costs per year, which can include salary and other program-related expenses, for a project period of up to three years. Indirect costs are limited to 8%, and the total cost over three years cannot exceed $324,000. Approximately three to five awards are anticipated annually, contingent upon available funding and merit of applications. NIOSH emphasizes innovative approaches and the translation of research into practice (r2p) to address workplace hazards and improve occupational health.

Eligibility is broad and includes public and private higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, federally recognized tribal entities, and others. Applicants must have a doctoral degree and be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents at the time of the award. Applications must include a strong career development plan, a mentoring team with a primary mentor committed to guiding the candidate, and a well-justified research plan that aligns with NIOSH priorities. Applicants must dedicate 75% of their professional effort to the award.

Applications must be submitted electronically via *Grants.gov* using the NIH ASSIST system or other approved submission methods. Applicants must adhere to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and include a detailed plan for the responsible conduct of research (RCR), resource sharing, and a data management plan (DMP) for public health data. Applications undergo a rigorous peer review process assessing the candidate, career development plan, research plan, mentorship, and institutional support, with specific attention to NIOSH’s burden-need-impact framework.

Applications are due by standard NIH/CDC submission dates. Scientific merit reviews and advisory council reviews occur following submission deadlines, with awards expected to begin in March each year. The funding opportunity will remain open through November 21, 2025. Questions about the FOA can be directed to program officials listed under Section VII for further guidance.