The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Academic Leadership Career Award (K07), as part of the NIH’s research career development program, aims to support established investigators dedicated to advancing research and education in aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and AD-related dementias (ADRD) at their institutions. This grant encourages development in new or emerging areas of aging and AD/ADRD research through curriculum enhancements, mentorship, and structured research programs. Awardees are expected to design initiatives that increase institutional research capacity, promote broad participation, and address aging-related health disparities. The award is not for those conducting independent clinical trials but allows for research experiences in clinical trials under mentorship.

The K07 program provides funding to support a range of initiatives including curriculum development, pilot research funding for junior investigators, travel awards, workshops, and visiting scholar programs. These activities are expected to support new research capacity and contribute to a progressive path for early-career investigators specializing in aging and AD/ADRD. Proposed programs should align with NIA’s interests, spanning behavioral, biological, clinical, economic, and social research on aging, and include strategies for promoting diversity and health equity. Additionally, projects are encouraged to incorporate considerations for demographic shifts and health inequities among older adults.

Applicants must hold an active R01 or R01-equivalent grant from NIA and have a minimum 25% commitment of professional effort to the award activities, up to 50%. NIH will support up to $75,000 annually toward the recipient’s salary, with a maximum of $150,000 per year available for total salary, program-related expenses, and the optional hiring of a curriculum or research coordinator. Eligible expenses may include tuition, research supplies, equipment, and travel. All budget requests must comply with NIH and institutional standards, and indirect costs are limited to 8% of modified total direct costs.

Eligible applicants are higher education institutions, nonprofits, and local government entities within the U.S. Candidates must have a strong record of research and mentorship in aging or AD/ADRD and hold a relevant doctoral degree. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required by the time of the award. Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate’s experience, the proposed program’s impact on institutional capacity, and the program's potential to contribute to the NIA’s mission.

Applications should include detailed plans for curriculum development, mentorship, and evaluation of program success. Institutional support is required, and letters of support must demonstrate a commitment to integrating the program into the institution’s academic offerings and protecting the awardee’s time for these activities. Applications must follow NIH submission guidelines and will undergo peer review, considering the candidate’s qualifications, the research environment, and the project’s potential to expand research expertise in aging and AD/ADRD.

The application deadlines are February 12, June 12, and October 12 annually, with the earliest anticipated start date approximately six months after the application submission. Applicants are encouraged to start the registration process in required systems early due to the time it may take to complete all necessary registrations. For additional information, including submission assistance, applicants may contact NIH support or NIA-specific contacts listed in the NOFO.