Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) | RFA OD 20 011

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA OD 20 011

The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development grant designed to help early-stage investigators build the skills, track record, and research foundation needed to become independent scientists in tobacco regulatory science. The award’s core focus is to provide substantial protected time for a structured, mentored research and training experience lasting three, four, or five years. Projects supported under this program are expected to produce evidence that can directly inform the development, implementation, or evaluation of regulations related to tobacco products, specifically in areas tied to manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. The research scope is broad and can include biomedical, behavioral, and social science approaches, as long as the work clearly connects to tobacco regulatory priorities and supports a pathway to research independence.

A key feature of this specific K01 opportunity is that it is labeled “Independent Clinical Trial Required,” meaning the proposed career development plan is expected to include an independent clinical trial component rather than only observational studies or secondary data analysis. In practical terms, applicants need to be prepared to propose, lead, and manage a clinical trial as part of their mentored development, aligning the trial with tobacco regulatory questions. The intent is not only to generate useful regulatory evidence, but also to ensure the awardee gains hands-on experience designing and executing rigorous human-subject research under mentorship, which is often critical for long-term independence in health research careers.

This opportunity is a discretionary grant under the NIH funding mechanism, categorized in the health funding area and associated with CFDA number 93.077. While the provided summary does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the emphasis is clearly on supporting a multi-year mentored period with sufficient time and resources to develop as an independent investigator. The funding opportunity number is RFA-OD-20-011, and it was created on February 7, 2020, with an original closing date listed as July 10, 2022.

Eligibility for applicant organizations is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible organizations. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. This broad eligibility framework signals an interest in supporting diverse institutional settings and building capacity across many communities that are affected by tobacco-related harms.

At the same time, the program places strict limits on foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components, as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. In effect, the applicant organization and the work supported by the grant must remain within allowable domestic boundaries, without foreign organizational applicants or foreign components embedded in the project structure.

Overall, this K01 is best understood as a mentored career launchpad for investigators committed to tobacco regulatory research, with the expectation that the award period will be used to develop advanced methodological expertise, a coherent and productive research program, and the credentials needed to compete successfully for future independent funding. The research is expected to produce actionable knowledge relevant to how tobacco products are made, marketed, and distributed, supporting the evidence base that regulators can use when evaluating or shaping tobacco product policy.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.077.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-02-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-07-10. (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.

Apply for RFA OD 20 011

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