NHLBI Temporary Extension of Eligibility for the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published: June 2023

Under normal circumstances, individuals must have no more than four years (i.e., 48 months) of postdoctoral research experience to be eligible to apply for a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award (applies both to new and resubmission applications). However, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NHLBI will be providing the following extensions in eligibility for prospective applicants:

Individuals whose final due date for eligibility based on a 48-month eligibility window is June/July 2023 - June/July 2024, will be granted a one-receipt cycle extension (roughly four additional months), given that there is:

  • A clear statement in Section A of the biosketch about the COVID-19 institutional/lab closure
  • An institutional letter in “Other Attachments” detailing the institutional closure/restrictions and how much time the applicant lost. Letter needs to be signed by an institutional official such as department chair or equivalent, and/or SO/AOR.

Examples:

  • Example 1: For individuals whose eligibility would normally end with June/July 2023 due dates, the temporary extension would allow them to apply in October/November 2023.
  • Example 2: For individuals whose eligibility would normally end with October/November 2023 due dates, the temporary extension would allow them to apply in February/March 2024.
  • Example 3: For individuals whose eligibility would normally end with February/March 2024 due dates, the temporary extension allows them to apply in June/July 2024
  • Example 4: For individuals whose eligibility would normally end with June/July 2024 due dates, the temporary extension allows them to apply in Oct/Nov 2024

Multiple extensions for events occurring during the same time period (e.g., childbirth during the COVID pandemic) will not be permitted, but rather prospective K99 applicants may only receive an extension for one category for events that occurred within overlapping time periods.
Inquiries:
Li-Shin Huang, Ph.D.
li-shin.huang@nih.gov
301-435-0535
Division of Cardiovascular Sciences

Karin F. Lidman, Ph.D.
karin.fredriksson@nih.gov
(301) 435-0535
Division of Cardiovascular Sciences