Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 21 033
The KUH Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed), Funding Opportunity Number RFA-DK-21-033, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program designed to move talented PhD (or equivalent) trainees from the late predoctoral stage into a strong, focused postdoctoral experience in Kidney, Urology, or Hematology (KUH) research. The core idea is to attract outstanding graduate students who are currently training in other areas and intentionally redirect their trajectory into KUH science during the transition from dissertation work to postdoctoral training. In practice, this is a two-phase, mentored career development pathway: an initial predoctoral phase (F99) that supports the final stretch of graduate training and preparation for the postdoctoral move, followed by a mentored postdoctoral phase (K00) that supports the fellow as they deepen KUH expertise and build a foundation for research independence.
A defining feature of this opportunity is who it is meant to recruit. NIDDK is specifically inviting advanced graduate students from a broad range of disciplines that can bring fresh tools and perspectives into KUH research, including fields like engineering, statistics, data science, imaging, biochemistry, genetics, and related quantitative or technology-heavy areas. The program is not aimed at students who are already doing kidney, urology, or hematology research as their primary focus. Those students are considered outside the target population for this mechanism and are instead pointed toward the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31, PA-19-195). Put simply, this FOA is trying to widen and diversify the KUH pipeline by bringing in researchers who can transfer skills from other domains into KUH problems.
The announcement also draws a clear boundary around clinical trials. Applicants are not allowed to propose leading an independent clinical trial under this award. However, they may include research training experiences that involve a clinical trial as long as the clinical trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor (in other words, the fellow can gain experience working within a trial environment without being the person responsible for directing the trial). This distinction matters for application planning because it shapes what kinds of human-subjects research and translational training activities can be proposed while remaining compliant with the FOA.
From an applicant and institutional eligibility standpoint, the program is open to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses, plus other eligible entities as defined by NIH policy. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), signaling an intent to encourage broad participation across institution types and to strengthen diversity in the biomedical workforce. At the same time, foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible; however, foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, which can permit limited international collaboration or resources under specific NIH rules.
Operational details in the listing indicate this is a discretionary NIH grant in the health-related activity category (CFDA 93.847), administered by NIH with NIDDK program involvement, and the original closing date shown is 2025-04-01. The FOA strongly encourages prospective applicants to contact the NIDDK Program Official before putting substantial effort into an application, which is typical for specialized NIH training and transition mechanisms and is especially important here given the eligibility nuance (particularly the restriction that applicants cannot already be engaged in KUH research) and the clinical trial limitations.Apply for RFA DK 21 033
- The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "KUH Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.847.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-03-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-04-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the KUH Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)?
The KUH Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00) is an NIH grant program that supports a two-phase, mentored training pathway designed to help advanced PhD (or equivalent) trainees transition from late-stage predoctoral training into a strong, KUH-focused postdoctoral experience. "KUH" refers to Kidney, Urology, or Hematology research.
What is the funding opportunity number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) is RFA-DK-21-033.
Which NIH institute is associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with program involvement from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
What is the main goal of this FOA?
The main goal is to attract outstanding advanced graduate students who are currently training in disciplines outside kidney, urology, or hematology and intentionally redirect their research trajectory into KUH science during the transition from dissertation work to postdoctoral training. The emphasis is on bringing fresh tools and perspectives into KUH research and strengthening the KUH research pipeline.
Who is this award intended to recruit?
It is specifically aimed at talented late-stage predoctoral trainees (PhD or equivalent) whose primary research focus is not currently in kidney, urology, or hematology, but who can bring expertise from other disciplines into KUH research as they move into a postdoctoral phase.
Is this FOA intended for students already focused on kidney, urology, or hematology research?
No. The program is not aimed at students who are already conducting kidney, urology, or hematology research as their primary focus. Those students are described as outside the target population for this mechanism.
If I am already doing KUH research, what NIH mechanism is suggested instead?
The FOA points trainees already focused on KUH research toward the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31, PA-19-195).
What kinds of backgrounds or disciplines does NIDDK want to attract through this program?
NIDDK is inviting advanced graduate students from a broad range of disciplines that can bring new tools and perspectives into KUH research. Examples listed include engineering, statistics, data science, imaging, biochemistry, genetics, and related quantitative or technology-heavy fields.
How is the award structured (F99 vs. K00 phases)?
This is a two-phase, mentored career development pathway:
- F99 (Predoctoral phase): Supports the final stretch of graduate training and preparation for the postdoctoral transition.
- K00 (Postdoctoral phase): Supports a mentored postdoctoral experience focused on building KUH expertise and establishing a foundation for research independence.
What does "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed" mean for applicants?
Applicants are not allowed to propose leading an independent clinical trial under this award. In other words, the fellow cannot be the person responsible for directing an independent clinical trial as part of the proposed activities under this FOA.
Can my training plan include experience on a clinical trial at all?
Yes. The FOA allows research training experiences that involve a clinical trial as long as the trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor. This means a fellow may gain experience working in a clinical trial environment, but may not be the person leading the trial.
Why is the clinical trial restriction important when planning an application?
The distinction shapes what types of human-subjects research and translational training activities can be included while remaining compliant. The application must avoid proposing an independent clinical trial led by the applicant, even if the applicant participates in clinical trial-related training experiences led by others.
What types of U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply?
The program is open to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status
- For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
- Other eligible entities as defined by NIH policy
Does the FOA encourage applications from specific institution types?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). This signals an intent to encourage broad participation and strengthen diversity in the biomedical workforce.
Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?
No. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply under this FOA.
Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations eligible?
No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
Are foreign components allowed in any form?
Yes. Foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed. This can permit limited international collaboration or use of foreign resources under NIH rules, even though foreign institutions and non-U.S. components are not eligible applicants.
What is the activity category and CFDA listing associated with this opportunity?
The listing describes this as a discretionary NIH grant in the health-related activity category, with CFDA number 93.847.
What is the closing date shown for this opportunity?
The original closing date shown is 2025-04-01.
Is it recommended to contact NIDDK before applying?
Yes. The FOA strongly encourages prospective applicants to contact the NIDDK Program Official before putting substantial effort into an application.
Why does the FOA emphasize contacting the NIDDK Program Official?
This is especially important because there are eligibility nuances (particularly that the target applicant pool is not already engaged in KUH research as a primary focus) and because there are specific limitations related to clinical trials. Discussing fit and compliance early can help avoid misalignment with FOA requirements.
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| NIDDK Partnerships with Professional Societies to Enhance Scientific Workforce Diversity and Promote Scientific Leadership (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 004 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Research and Translation Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DK 22 011 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Promoting Organ and Tissue Donation Among Health Disparity Populations (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DK 22 003 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Multidisciplinary K12 Urologic Research (KURe) Career Development Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DK 22 006 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the NIDDK Diabetic Foot Consortium - Clinical Research Units (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DK 22 509 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 509 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $365,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of HiLo: Pragmatic Trial of Higher versus Lower Serum Phosphate Targets in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Clinical Centers (UH3- Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA DK 22 501 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Stakeholder Engagement Innovation Center for Advancing Health Equity in Type 2 Diabetes Research (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 001 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIDDK Central Repository Non-renewable Sample Access (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 171 Funding Number: PAR 22 171 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Coordinating Center for the George M. OBrien Kidney National Resource Centers (U24 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 008 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| George M. O'Brien Kidney National Resource Centers (U54 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 007 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Regenerative Medicine Innovation Projects (RMIP) Investigator- Initiated Studies (Collaborative U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 23 019 Funding Number: RFA HL 23 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Regenerative Medicine Innovation Projects (RMIP) Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 23 020 Funding Number: RFA HL 23 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project (RMIP) Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA HL 23 017 Funding Number: RFA HL 23 017 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $345,000 |
| Collaborative Research Using Biosamples from Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Studies (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 021 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Human Islet Research Network - Consortium on Targeting and Regeneration (HIRN-CTAR) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 009 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Understanding the Pathophysiology and Clinical Course of New-Onset Diabetes Following COVID-19 (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 016 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 016 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $3,750,000 |
| Mass Spectrometric Assays for the Reliable and Reproducible Detection of Proteins/Peptides of Importance in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Research (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 21 031 Funding Number: RFA DK 21 031 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Clinical Centers (U01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 502 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 502 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Scientific and Data Coordinating Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 503 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 503 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Stakeholder Engagement Innovation Center to Advance Health Equity (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 019 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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