Urological Epidemiology (UroEpi) Institutional Research Career Development Program (K12 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA DK 20 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 20 001

The Urological Epidemiology (UroEpi) Institutional Research Career Development Program is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) that supports institutional K12 career development programs focused on the epidemiology of benign urological conditions. The core purpose is to help institutions build structured, mentored training environments that prepare early-career researchers to launch independent careers studying the distribution, determinants, and outcomes of non-cancer urologic conditions in ways that align with NIDDKs mission.

This program is designed around the development of "Scholars" who already hold research and/or clinical doctoral degrees, including MD, PhD, MD/PhD, and DrPH. Through protected time, mentorship, and access to research infrastructure, Scholars are expected to gain the skills needed to become independent investigators in urological epidemiology. The emphasis is on rigorous research training and career development rather than simply supporting isolated projects, meaning the application should describe an organized program: a leadership team, a mentoring structure, training activities, and a plan for recruiting, supporting, and transitioning Scholars toward independent funding and research leadership.

A key clinical-trials related detail is captured in the title: "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed." In practical terms, Scholars supported under this K12 should not be leading their own independent clinical trials as the trial principal investigator. However, the announcement explicitly permits Scholars to gain research experience by participating in a clinical trial that is led by another investigator, as long as that experience is part of their broader research and career development plan. This creates room for meaningful clinical research exposure while keeping the K12s main intent centered on mentored development and preparation for independence.

Eligibility to apply is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governmental entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other organizations. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISI institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, it clearly states that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, and foreign components of U.S. organizations are not eligible either.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant funding mechanism under the K12 institutional career development program structure, listed under CFDA number 93.847, with a health-related activity category (Food and Nutrition, Health). The funding opportunity number is RFA-DK-20-001. The opportunity record indicates an award ceiling of $600,000, and the original closing date listed was June 18, 2020, with the announcement created on March 3, 2020. Overall, the FOA is best understood as support for institutions to create a pipeline of well-mentored urological epidemiologists who can grow into independently funded researchers focused on benign urologic conditions, with structured training and mentorship as the central deliverable.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Urological Epidemiology (UroEpi) Institutional Research Career Development Program (K12 - 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 2020-03-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-06-18. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), 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.

Apply for RFA DK 20 001

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