The NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is offering the Physician Scientist Transition to Independence in Blood Science Award (R00) to support physician-scientists with clinical doctorate degrees who aim to establish independent research careers in non-malignant hematology. This funding is specifically available to current recipients of the NHLBI's K99 award in blood science under programs RFA-HL-20-001 and RFA-HL-20-002. The R00 phase, limited to three years of funding, assists physician scientists transitioning from mentored positions to tenure-track or equivalent roles at research institutions, with the ultimate goal of promoting sustained innovation and independence in blood science research.

To apply, eligible K99 awardees must be in their second or later year of the K99 award, have secured an offer or accepted a tenure-track or equivalent position at a research institution, and have completed a minimum of three years in the K99 phase. The program is designed to advance both basic and clinical research that will contribute to understanding and treating blood disorders. Research areas supported include basic, translational, or clinical research relevant to the NHLBI's Division of Blood Diseases and Resources. The R00 allows the continuation of clinical trials as an option if they align with the research objectives, although they are not mandatory.

The R00 phase offers up to $250,000 annually in direct costs, with the total project period capped at three years. For FY 2026, the NHLBI plans to allocate up to $1,155,000, anticipating three new awards. Budgets should align with the specific needs of each proposed project. During this award period, recipients are expected to commit at least 75% of their professional effort (9 person-months per year) to research, which cannot include time spent on Veterans Affairs (VA) appointments if applicable. Applications should document institutional commitment, including resources, facilities, and a startup package similar to those offered to new faculty.

The application requires several specific attachments: a 3-page summary of the applicant's K99 award progress, a 2-page final evaluation from the K99 mentor, and a 3-page institutional commitment letter detailing the support provided by the new institution. The research strategy section is limited to 12 pages and should describe the project's significance, innovation, and approach, including its evolution from the K99 research and how it prepares the investigator for future funding opportunities. A detailed Data Management and Sharing Plan is also mandatory for applications submitted on or after January 25, 2023.

Applicants are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, including significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and the research environment. The institutional commitment to the investigator's career development is heavily weighed, as well as the proposed project's potential to generate independent funding, such as R01 grants. Reviewers will also assess resource sharing plans, budget justification, and ethical protections for human or animal subjects if applicable.

Applications must be submitted by March 28, 2025, with preliminary letters of intent requested 30 days before this deadline. Submissions are completed through the NIH ASSIST system or Grants.gov Workspace. Successful applicants will be notified via a formal Notice of Award (NoA) and are expected to adhere to NIH data sharing policies, and reporting requirements, including annual Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR) and financial statements.30 days prior to the application due date