The Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) aims to support mid-career clinician-scientists by providing protected time to focus on patient-oriented research (POR) and mentor junior investigators. This specific funding opportunity (PA-24-187) requires applicants to propose an independent clinical trial or a related feasibility or ancillary study, aligning with the NIH’s definition of clinical trials. The award is intended for clinicians at the associate professor level or equivalent, who have an independent research program and experience mentoring new clinical investigators, particularly those in patient-oriented research such as K23 grantees.

The research proposed under this funding announcement should meet NIH’s definition of a clinical trial, which includes prospective studies that assign human participants to interventions to study health-related outcomes. The focus is on basic science experimental studies involving human participants, which aim to understand fundamental aspects of biomedical or behavioral phenomena without immediate application toward processes or products. These include mechanistic exploratory studies designed to explore biological or behavioral processes or the mechanisms underlying an intervention.

The K24 award provides salary support for 3-6 person-months (25-50% of full-time effort) to help investigators reduce clinical or administrative duties and focus on research and mentoring. The award also provides up to $50,000 per year for research-related expenses, including supplies, travel, and statistical support. Mentors and administrative staff salaries are not covered. The total project period can extend up to five years, and recipients are encouraged to seek additional peer-reviewed funding for their research during the award period.

Eligibility for this award is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a health-professional doctoral degree, including MD, DO, DDS, and equivalent degrees, and a proven track record of independent research funding and mentoring junior investigators in patient-oriented research. Institutions applying for the K24 must demonstrate a strong research environment and commitment to the candidate's career development. Candidates with VA appointments must ensure that their effort dedicated to the VA does not count towards the full-time effort requirement of the K24 award.

Applications are submitted electronically through NIH's ASSIST system or Grants.gov, with multiple NIH standard due dates available for new, renewal, or resubmission applications. The next submission date is June 12, 2024. Applications must include a detailed research plan, a mentorship plan, and a data management and sharing plan. The research plan should highlight the scientific rationale, design, and methodology of the proposed clinical trial, including plans for participant enrollment and analysis. Additionally, a training plan for responsible conduct of research is required.

Applications will be evaluated on criteria such as the candidate’s potential to conduct high-quality research, their mentoring plans for junior investigators, the feasibility of the proposed clinical trial, and the institutional commitment to supporting the candidate’s research and career development. The overall impact score will reflect the likelihood that the proposed research and career development plan will enhance the candidate’s career as a productive, independent investigator.