The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program is designed to foster the development of early stage, independent clinical investigators. Through the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program (Si2/R00, Clinical Trial Optional), scholars can apply a unique combination of intramural experiences and extramural resources to bolster their research careers. Take a look at the profile pages for both Current and Former scholars.
Research Areas of Interest
NIAID is one of nine institutes and centers (ICs) participating in this NOFO, and each lists its preferred areas of clinical research. At NIAID, we seek applicants in the areas of clinical allergy and immunology, clinical infectious diseases, and virology.
How the Program Functions
The Lasker Scholars program supports candidates in two phases: an initial phase within the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) and a subsequent phase with extramural grant funding. During the first phase, scholars will become NIH employees and will be appointed as independent tenure-track investigators within an NIH IC. They will receive full-time employment benefits and space within the IRP for up to 5 years, extendable with NIH approval on a case-by-case basis. Scholars will develop independent research activities over the course of their stay in the IRP and will be formally reviewed by a panel of senior extramural investigators every 2 to 4 years to evaluate their research progress.
In the second phase, scholars can either stay in the IRP with potential progression to tenured senior investigator status or receive up to 3 years of extramural funding to continue research independently at an eligible institution, contingent upon meeting specified criteria and programmatic review. Scholars who choose to leave the Lasker program before completing 5 years of research in the IRP will not be eligible for the extramural Lasker Scholars Grant but may be eligible to compete for other extramural NIH research grants as announced in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.
Award and Deadline Information
Letters of reference are an important component of the Lasker Clinical Research Scholar application, and applications that are missing letters will not be reviewed. Applicants should arrange to have four letters of reference submitted on their behalf. Late letters will not be accepted, and applicants are responsible for monitoring the submission of letters to ensure that the letters have been submitted prior to the submission deadline.
The application due date for this NOFO is August 30, 2024.
NIH plans to fund up to 5 awards in fiscal year 2025. Award budgets are comprised of salary and other program-related expenses. During the initial phase of the program, the NIH IC in which scholars are conducting their research will provide intramural funds, as negotiated when starting the program. During the second phase, applicants can request direct costs of up to $499,000 per year, which can include salaries, fringe benefits, and research costs. In addition, indirect costs will be reimbursed at the extramural sponsoring institution’s indirect cost rate.
Eligible applicants include medical professionals with licenses to practice clinically in the United States such as physicians, dentists, and nurses with doctoral level degrees. The program is intended for investigators in the early stages of their independent careers. Applicants generally will have completed or be completing a post-residency clinical fellowship and possess sufficient patient-oriented research experience for a tenure-track level appointment. However, tenured applicants are not eligible. While U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is not required, selected scholars must maintain appropriate visa/residency status. Applications can be submitted by the candidate’s current institution or independently. Finally, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
Contacts
For general questions related to the program, contact Dr. Charles Dearolf at LaskerScholar@nih.gov. For NIAID-related questions, contact Dr. Meredith Shaffer at shaffermh@nih.gov or 301-594-0517. Refer to the NOFO for contacts at other ICs.