This NIH program aims to support the transition and retention of investigators from mentored career development to research independence and to minimize departures from biomedical research workforce at this critical juncture. This supplement program is intended to ensure continuity of research among recipients of mentored career development (K) awards by providing supplemental research support to help sustain the investigator’s research during critical life events.
The supplement may be used to support additional personnel, computational services, supplies, and equipment that will promote the continuity of the career development research project during a period in which the program director/principal investigator (PD/PI) experiences critical life events which have the potential to impact research progress or potential productivity. Administrative supplements must support work within the scope of the original project.
For the purposes of this program, childbirth, adoption, and primary caregiving responsibilities of an ailing spouse, child, partner, or a member of the immediate family during the project period are critical life events that would qualify for consideration. Evidence that the circumstance may affect advancement of the mentored career development award or productivity must be provided. In circumstances in which the critical life event is pending and is expected to occur during the project period, the supplement request may be submitted in advance of the event.
K awardees who are late stage postdoctoral scientists, instructors, early stage faculty, and recipients of the K awards referenced above are encouraged to apply.
For retention supplements to support first-time NIH R01-equivalent awards, see the companion Administrative Supplements for Continuity of Biomedical and Behavioral Research Among First-Time Recipients of NIH Research Project Grant Awards.
Budget
To be eligible, the parent award must be able to receive funds at the time of the award. The administrative supplement budget is limited to one year. The application budget cannot exceed a maximum direct cost of $70,000. Applicable F&A (indirect) cost may also be requested.
Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)
PD/PIs of the following activity codes are eligible for the award: K00, K01, K07, K08, K22, K23, K25, K38, K43, K76, and K99/R00 (on the mentored K99 portion of the K99/R00).
Detailed eligibility criteria are described in the full announcement.
NIDCD-Specific Information
- NIDCD only accepts applications once a year. For fiscal year 2024, the application due date is Friday, June 7, 2024. Awards will not be made before this date.
- The maximum total costs allowed is $70,000 with a strong justification and rationale.
- Projects in a no-cost extension period are not eligible to apply.
- Awards that received COVID-related administrative supplements are not eligible to apply.
- Awards with significant unspent funds (25% or more of direct costs) in the parent award are not eligible to apply.
- PIs with more research awards than the parent award are not eligible to apply.
- Applications should include a letter signed by the Institutional Business Official certifying the PI’s eligibility for the supplement award and a description of institutional support.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a strong justification and detailed rationale for the need for supplemental support and the impact of the critical event on the progress of the parent award and the successful completion of the research project.
- NIDCD strongly encourages the PD(s)/PI(s) to contact the program official of the parent award before preparing an application.
- See contacts and information specific to each participating institute/center.