NIH Ends Key Grant for Budding Clinical Researchers

NIH is ending a key grant for budding clinical researchers

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is discontinuing a career development grant that has funded clinical trials for early-career researchers, sparking concern among scientists and officials. The K awards, which support about 90 researchers annually, will no longer directly fund trials starting in July 2027, though recipients can still gain trial experience under a mentor. Critics argue the move cuts off a critical training pathway, while supporters say the small, exploratory trials lack statistical power. The agency is seeking input on alternative support strategies until September 30.