Declare Your Path to Research Independence Through the NIH F99/K00 Funding Opportunity: Perspectives from NIH Institutes and Centers

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday and in the spirit of charting new paths, NIH is pleased to announce a new parent funding opportunity designed to help promising Ph.D. students take an important step toward research independence.

The NIH Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award (F99/K00) (PA-27-037) is a phased award that supports outstanding doctoral students as they complete the final stages of their graduate training and transition into mentored postdoctoral positions. Early career transitions represent one of the most important—and often most uncertain—stages in the biomedical research pathway. The F99/K00 is designed to provide continuity of support during this period while enabling promising researchers to identify postdoctoral training environments that best prepare them for long-term research independence. Through this support, the program helps researchers develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to establish successful independent research careers. As a newer funding opportunity, the F99/K00 builds on NIH’s long-standing commitment to supporting this critical career transition. Through this program, NIH continues to strengthen the biomedical research workforce and foster the next generation of scientific leaders across a broad range of biomedical and behavioral science fields.

What makes this new program unique?

Part of NIH's broader effort to simplify the funding opportunity landscape, this parent funding opportunity provides a common application framework and experience across participating NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). Rather than navigating multiple ICO-specific announcements with different structures, applicants can apply through a single parent opportunity while still being considered by participating ICOs whose missions align with their proposed research.

This program was intentionally designed with career development at its core, and that emphasis is evident throughout. Specifically, the program:   

• Supports students who still require meaningful doctoral research and training before completing the Ph.D., followed by a mentored K00 postdoctoral phase.
• Encourages a move to a different institution for the K00 phase whenever possible, expanding scientific perspectives, collaborations, and professional networks.
• Encourages applicants to outline their approach for identifying a postdoctoral mentor after receiving the F99 award rather than requiring one at the time of application. Applicants are encouraged to thoughtfully consider how they will identify a postdoctoral mentor and describe their plans for acquiring the research, professional, and career development skills needed to achieve their long-term career goals.
• Emphasizes developing the research, training, and mentoring needed to launch an independent research career.

Planning your application 

Prospective applicants should carefully review the full notice of funding opportunity (NOFO, including eligibility requirements and application instructions. Competitive applications will include:

• A detailed plan for completing the remaining doctoral research.
• A broad vision for the potential postdoctoral research and career development activities.
• A clear explanation of how the combined F99 and K00 phases will develop the skills, experiences, and scientific foundation needed for an independent research career.

The F99/K00 is intended for graduate students who are approaching the end of, but not yet completed, their doctoral training. This means it is especially important to consider application timing as part of your overall career planning. The first standard application receipt date is August 8, 2026, with additional standard due dates continuing through April 2029.

As with all NIH funding opportunities, F99/K00 applications must align with the scientific missions of the participating NIH ICOs. Below, we present F99-related scientific priority statements and additional guidance from several participating NIH ICOs (listed in no particular order) to help prospective applicants assess program fit, identify potential mentors, and refine long-term career goals. In some cases, this guidance may also be useful for other ICOs participating in the parent F99/K00 funding opportunity. Because assignment to a participating ICO is based on the scientific focus of the proposed research, applicants should carefully consider which ICO best aligns with their anticipated postdoctoral research direction.

Through sustained NIH support, the F99/K00 plays a critical role in advancing a strong biomedical research workforce. By investing in scientists at a pivotal career stage, the program helps position promising investigators for long-term success and leadership in biomedical science.