Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Posted: May 27, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Closes: 07/12/2029
Description
The purpose of the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is to support rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for up to three years for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must submit their application up to one year prior to beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins (resubmissions included). The ACE K32 will foster early, goal-directed planning and encourage innovative applications with the potential for a significant impact on scientific research and career development. Inclusion of preliminary data are not required as the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
Synopsis
The purpose of the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is to support rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for up to three years for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must submit their application up to one year prior to beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins (resubmissions included). The ACE K32 will foster early, goal-directed planning and encourage innovative applications with the potential for a significant impact on scientific research and career development. Inclusion of preliminary data are not required as the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Funding Activity Categories
CFDA Numbers
- 93.121 - Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
- 93.286 - Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health
- 93.398 - Cancer Research Manpower
- 93.853 - Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
- 93.855 - Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research
Contact Information
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Contact: National Institutes of Health
Email: ncik32@nih.gov
Phone: 301-402-2541
Center for Cancer Training
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
ncik32@nih.gov
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
ncik32@nih.gov
Additional Information
Document Type: synopsis
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Version: 5
Last Updated: Jun 05, 2026 09:08:11 AM EDT
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