Funding Mechanisms

There are many different types of funding mechanisms. They vary according to purpose and target audience. Broad classes of mechanisms include Training Awards (K), Research Grants (R), Cooperative Agreements (U), and Contracts (SBIR/STTR). Cooperative agreements are for collaborative projects with NIH. Contracts are for ideas initiated within NIH. Below are the two main groups of awards for investigator-initiated ideas. Within each group are selected awards/grants that are particularly relevant to statisticians.

Career Development Awards particularly relevant to statisticians (NCI awards handled by Center for Cancer Training):

Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) prepares an individual (a US citizen or permanent resident) with an advanced degree in a quantitative field for a career in health-related research.
Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers who do not require extended periods of mentored research training beyond their doctoral degrees before transitioning to research independence.
NCI Cancer Research Education Grants Program (R25) supports educational activities that enhance the training of a workforce to meet the Nation’s biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. Established Investigators at or above the rank of Associate Professor (or equivalent) are eligible.

Research Grants:

Small Grants Program (R03) for short research projects
NIH Research Enhancement Award (R15) for small-scale research projects at academic institutions that do not receive much NIH funding
Exploratory/Development Research Grant Award (R21) for the early and conceptual stages of project development
Research Project Grant (R01) for health-related research and development based on NIH’s mission