The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has issued a funding opportunity announcement for its Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program. The program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions.
The award mechanism involves two phases: an initial K99 phase providing 1-2 years of mentored support, followed by an R00 phase offering up to 3 years of independent support contingent on securing an independent tenure-track faculty position. The goal is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of independent cancer researchers.
Eligible candidates must have no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of the initial or subsequent resubmission application. The program encourages applications from researchers in all areas of cancer research, including basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences.
Applications are submitted in response to specific Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). As of April 2026, the active FOAs for this program are PAR-23-286, PAR-23-287, and PAR-23-288, which have standard due dates. Prospective applicants are directed to the NIH Grants website and the NCI Center for Cancer Training for the most current guidelines and submission details.
