Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 239
The NIMH Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22 No Independent Clinical Trials) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity (PAR-21-239) that supports NIMH intramural investigators who are ready to move from NIMH's Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) into a fully independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty role in the extramural research community. It is a reissue of an earlier announcement (PAR-18-755) and is structured as a career transition mechanism meant to help strong, productive intramural scientists maintain momentum as they establish independent research programs outside of NIMH. The focus is squarely on investigators with a demonstrated record of high-quality, mental health-relevant research and clear potential to lead an independent line of inquiry as a faculty member.
A key feature of this announcement is the "No Independent Clinical Trials" restriction. In practical terms, the K22 application under this specific notice is not intended to support an applicant to run their own independent clinical trial as the main activity of the award. Depending on NIH policy definitions, applicants may still be able to propose certain types of clinical research that do not meet the definition of an independent clinical trial, but the award is not designed for a transition plan centered on leading a new clinical trial. The intent is to support the transition to independence through a research program that aligns with NIMH priorities while fitting within the non-independent-clinical-trial framework described in NIH guidance.
The program is issued as a discretionary grant under the NIH health funding activity area, with CFDA number 93.242. While the award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided summary, the purpose is clear: to provide resources that make it easier for an NIMH intramural tenure-track investigator to secure an external faculty position and successfully launch an independent lab or research group in an extramural institution. These types of transition awards commonly emphasize evidence of research productivity, a compelling and feasible independent research plan, and a strong rationale for how the award will bridge the move from intramural support to a sustainable extramural funding trajectory.
Eligibility is broad on the institutional side, reflecting the range of organizations that can receive NIH grants. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and multiple levels of government such as state, county, city or township governments, and special district governments. Independent school districts and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are also listed. Tribal entities are explicitly included both as federally recognized Native American tribal governments and as tribal organizations or governments that are not federally recognized. The opportunity also highlights categories of institutions often associated with serving historically underrepresented communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI). Faith-based or community-based organizations and eligible federal agencies are also mentioned, along with U.S. territories or possessions, signaling that a wide set of U.S.-based organizations can potentially serve as the applicant institution for the extramural phase of the transition.
Foreign participation is limited in the way NIH commonly structures it. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-U.S. institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed when they meet the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition, meaning an otherwise eligible U.S. applicant organization can include a foreign component in the project when it is well-justified and meets NIH requirements. This distinction matters for investigators whose research benefits from international collaborations, datasets, field sites, or specialized methods located outside the United States, while still keeping the award anchored in a U.S.-based extramural institution.
Administratively, the sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health, and the original closing date listed in the source data is 2024-09-07. The creation date for this funding opportunity record is 2021-07-08. Overall, the K22 described here is best understood as a targeted NIMH pipeline award: it is meant to help proven intramural tenure-track researchers translate their intramural success into independent extramural faculty careers, while keeping the proposed work within the "no independent clinical trials" boundary and within NIH's institutional eligibility rules for domestic applicants.Apply for PAR 21 239
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIMH Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22 No Independent Clinical Trials)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-07-08.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NIMH Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22, No Independent Clinical Trials) - PAR-21-239
What is this funding opportunity?
This is the NIMH Career Transition Award for Tenure-Track Intramural Investigators (K22 No Independent Clinical Trials), an NIH/NIMH funding opportunity (PAR-21-239). It supports NIMH intramural investigators who are prepared to transition from NIMH's Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) into an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position in the extramural research community.
What is the main purpose of the K22 described here?
The purpose is to help strong, productive NIMH intramural tenure-track investigators maintain research momentum while moving to an extramural institution and establishing an independent research program. It is structured as a career transition mechanism that provides resources intended to bridge the move from intramural support to a sustainable extramural funding path.
Who is this award designed for?
It is aimed at NIMH intramural investigators in tenure-track (or equivalent) positions within NIMH's DIRP who have demonstrated high-quality, mental health-relevant research productivity and show clear potential to lead an independent line of inquiry as an extramural faculty member.
What does "career transition mechanism" mean in this context?
In this context, it means the award is specifically intended to support the investigator's move from an NIMH intramural appointment to an independent extramural faculty role, helping them launch and stabilize an independent research program outside of NIMH.
What does "No Independent Clinical Trials" mean?
The "No Independent Clinical Trials" restriction indicates that the K22 application under this notice is not intended to support the applicant running their own independent clinical trial as the main activity of the award. The transition plan should not be centered on leading a new clinical trial.
Can any clinical research be included if independent clinical trials are not allowed?
Potentially, yes. The summary notes that, depending on NIH policy definitions, applicants may still be able to propose certain types of clinical research that do not meet NIH's definition of an independent clinical trial. The proposed work still needs to fit within the "no independent clinical trials" framework described in NIH guidance.
What type of research focus is expected?
The focus is on high-quality research relevant to mental health and aligned with NIMH priorities, with a compelling and feasible independent research plan that supports the investigator's transition to an extramural, independent faculty career.
Is this announcement new or a reissue?
It is a reissue of an earlier announcement (PAR-18-755), maintaining the career transition intent while being issued under PAR-21-239.
What agency is sponsoring this opportunity?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the opportunity specifically tied to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 93.242.
What kind of award is this (funding mechanism/type)?
It is described as a discretionary grant under the NIH health funding activity area and structured as a K22 career transition award for eligible investigators moving into extramural tenure-track (or equivalent) positions.
Are the award ceiling and number of awards specified?
No. In the provided summary, the award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified.
What kinds of applicant institutions are eligible?
Institutional eligibility is broad and includes: public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; state, county, city, or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Are Tribal entities included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments, as well as tribal organizations or governments that are not federally recognized.
Are institutions serving historically underrepresented communities highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The opportunity highlights categories of institutions commonly associated with serving historically underrepresented communities, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are specifically mentioned among eligible applicant organization types.
Are U.S. territories or possessions included?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are mentioned, indicating a wide set of U.S.-based organizations can potentially serve as the applicant institution for the extramural phase.
Can non-U.S. (foreign) organizations apply as the applicant institution?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-U.S. institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
Are foreign components allowed at all?
Yes. Foreign components are allowed when they meet the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition. This means an eligible U.S. applicant organization may include a foreign component when it is well-justified and meets NIH requirements.
Why does the foreign component rule matter for applicants?
It matters because it allows a U.S.-based applicant institution to incorporate justified international collaborations, datasets, field sites, or specialized methods located outside the United States, while keeping the award anchored in an eligible U.S. extramural institution.
What does the award help the investigator do after leaving NIMH intramural research?
The award is intended to make it easier for an NIMH intramural tenure-track investigator to secure an external faculty position and successfully launch an independent lab or research group at an extramural institution.
What are common emphasis areas for transition awards like this (based on the summary)?
The summary indicates these awards commonly emphasize evidence of research productivity, a compelling and feasible independent research plan, and a strong rationale for how the award will bridge the move from intramural support to a sustainable extramural funding trajectory.
What is the listed closing date in the provided information?
The original closing date listed in the source data is 2024-09-07.
What is the creation date for this funding opportunity record?
The creation date for this funding opportunity record is 2021-07-08.
What is the simplest way to describe this K22 opportunity?
It is a targeted NIMH pipeline award designed to help proven NIMH intramural tenure-track researchers transition into independent extramural faculty careers, while keeping the proposed work within the "no independent clinical trials" boundary and NIH domestic applicant eligibility rules.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: SPARC Human Open Research Neural Engineering Technologies (HORNET) Initiative (U41 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAR 21 239
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 21 239) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB)(R18) Apply for PA 22 048 Funding Number: PA 22 048 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Centers for Pathogens of Pandemic Concern (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 21 050 Funding Number: RFA AI 21 050 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Program: FIRST Cohort (U54 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 21 025 Funding Number: RFA RM 21 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Elucidating the Roles of Transposable Elements in AD/ADRD and Aging (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 22 021 Funding Number: RFA AG 22 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Aging Research in Animals (ARIA): Promoting Rigorous Research on Behavioral and Social Processes (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 22 015 Funding Number: RFA AG 22 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Primary Care-Based Screening and Intervention Development for Prevention of Abuse in Older and Vulnerable Adults in the Context of Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AG 22 024 Funding Number: RFA AG 22 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINDS Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants (Phase IIB) for Clinical Trials and Clinical Research (R44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 265 Funding Number: PAR 21 265 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition Emergency Awards: Shared Personal Protective Equipment Resources for COVID-19 Related Vaccine and Treatment Clinical Trials and Clinical Studies (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 276 Funding Number: PAR 21 276 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 267 Funding Number: PAR 21 267 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAID Research Education Program Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 258 Funding Number: PAR 21 258 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 266 Funding Number: PAR 21 266 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition: Data Management and Coordinating Center (DMCC) and a Collaborative Research Space for Translational Research on Exceptional Longevity (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 22 023 Funding Number: RFA AG 22 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 289 Funding Number: PAR 21 289 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 288 Funding Number: PAR 21 288 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Materials to Enhance Training in Experimental Rigor (METER) (UE5 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 21 033 Funding Number: RFA NS 21 033 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Investigator Initiated Research in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 254 Funding Number: PAR 21 254 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical and Translational Science Award (UM1 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 293 Funding Number: PAR 21 293 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINDS Research Education Opportunities (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 256 Funding Number: PAR 21 256 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Investigator Initiated Research in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 255 Funding Number: PAR 21 255 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Leveraging Existing Data Resources for Computational Model and Tool Development to Discover Novel Candidate Mechanisms and Biomarkers for ADRD (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 006 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $499,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAR 21 239", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.