NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) FAQs

How does the R00 activation work?

Transition from the mentored phase (K99) to the independent phase (R00) is not automatic. To activate the R00 phase, K99 PD(s)/PI(s) must have been offered and accepted a tenure-track, full-time assistant professor position (or equivalent) at an eligible domestic institution with the appropriate infrastructure to support the proposed research program and a history of external research funding. Further details on R00 activation for those who have active NCI K99 awards can be found in the instructions for the R00 application.

NCI K99/R00 Eligibility

Postdoctoral candidates who have terminal clinical or research doctorates (or equivalent doctoral degrees) and who have no more than 6 years of postdoctoral research training at the time of initial application receipt date, or subsequent resubmission(A1) are eligible to apply.

What is meant by “at the time of initial application or subsequent resubmission?” 

This means that, regardless of whether the application is New or a Resubmission (A1) application, the applicant must have fewer than 6 years of postgraduate research experience at the application due date. For example, if an applicant is within the 6 years of eligibility at the time of the initial application due date but surpassed the 6 years of eligibility at the time of resubmission, they are no longer eligible to apply for the award, and may not resubmit the application. 

Are applicants with greater than 6 years of research training experience who have changed research directions or disciplines eligible to apply? 

Exceptions to the 6-year limit may be approved, e.g., where significant changes in fields of study have occurred, such as moving from physical science to life science research, or from engineering to behavioral research. Such exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require concurrence of NCI program staff.  NCI program concurrence must be obtained prior to submission, and a statement describing the circumstances must be included in the application. 

When does the clock start ticking for an individual who has earned two terminal degrees (e.g., two Ph.D.’s) in a separated time frame? Does the time spent earning the second Ph.D. degree count against the 6-year limitation? 

The answer to this question is complicated, and applicants are encouraged to contact an NCI Program Officer for additional guidance. In general, the clock starts with the first relevant Ph.D. degree. Depending on the research training experience, some Ph.D.’s may count as biomedically relevant (e.g., Biochemistry, Biophysics). However, if the first Ph.D. is in a completely unrelated field (e.g., English), the clock starts with the second, relevant Ph.D. 

Does time spent in the Ph.D. lab AFTER obtaining the Ph.D. (or other doctoral degree) count against the 6-year eligibility limitation? 

Yes, it does. All Postdoctoral research experience counts, including time spent conducting research (or publishing research results) where you obtained your doctoral degree prior to starting an official postdoctoral position. 

Who is responsible for determining and documenting that the applicant investigator’s visa will allow them to remain in this country long enough to complete the K99 and R00 phases of the award? 

The applicant institution is responsible for determining and documenting the candidate’s visa status for the duration of the award. For awards with more than one phase or a change in institution, it is the responsibility of the institution where the research will be performed (i.e., R00 phase, new institution) to document visa status.

Can a PI change institution in either phase of the K99/R00 award if they locate a better opportunity at another institution? 

A change of sponsoring institution is permitted only when all the terms and benefits attributable to the original award can be assured. Consultation with the applicable NIH program and grants management staff is strongly encouraged when a change of institution is being considered. 

Will K99/R00 award recipients be considered “new investigators” when applying for their first NIH R01 support? 

Yes, K99/R00 award recipients can check “Yes” in the “New Investigator” box when applying for their first NIH R01 support. This is consistent with existing policy of considering recipients of all mentored career development awards (e.g., K01, K08, K22, K23, K25, K99) as “New Investigators” when applying for their first NIH R01 support. 

What is the extension of eligibility for the NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award due to childbirth?

Eligible K99/R00 applicants should submit a request for a 1-year extension of the K99/R00 eligibility window for childbirth to the relevant NCI program official. The request must include the child’s date of birth. Please do not send personal documents such as birth certificates. NOT-OD-20-011

Are men, those who have adopted children, and same-sex partners of individuals giving birth eligible for the automatic one-year extension of the K99/R00 application eligibility due to childbirth? The one-year extension will automatically apply to women giving birth. Men, those adopting children, as well as same-sex partners of individuals giving birth can send a request for an extension to the relevant NCI program official.

Does the automatic extension of 12 months for childbirth apply for each childbirth or in total? 

For the K99 extension process, the automatic 12-month extension for childbirth is in total. However, if there are other extenuating circumstances (i.e., illness, military service, natural disaster) that necessitate a longer extension, those should be submitted to the relevant NCI program official. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.