Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program (Si2/R00 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program is designed to support the research activities during the early stage careers of independent clinical researchers. It offers a unique bridge between the NIH intramural and extramural research communities and contains two phases. In the first phase, Lasker Scholars will receive appointments for up to 5-7 years as tenure-track investigators within the NIH Intramural Research Program with independent research budgets. In the second phase, successful scholars will receive up to 3 years of NIH support for their research at an extramural research facility; or, the Scholar can be considered to remain as an investigator within the intramural program.

Grant Details
This career development program aims to foster the development of early stage, independent clinical investigators by providing a unique combination of intramural and extramural resources for clinical research. The program supports a small number of clinical researchers in the early stages of their independent careers to promote their development as fully independent scientists. The program combines a period of research experience as a tenure-track Investigator in the IRP with additional years of independent financial support, either within the IRP or at an extramural research institution. The Scholar must meet specific conditions, including fulfilling milestones and an agreement with IRP, in order to receive additional years of funding.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include physicians, dentists, and nurses who have a professional license to practice clinically in the U.S. The program is intended for investigators at the early stages of their independent careers. Applicants will generally have completed or be completing a post-residency clinical fellowship, and will have demonstrated sufficient patient-oriented research experience to qualify for a tenure-track level appointment. Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, although selected Scholars must qualify for and maintain appropriate visa/residency status throughout the program.

Period of Performance
The initial phase of research in the IRP is for 5 years with the possibility of a 2-year extension. Additional extensions, as needed, may be approved on a case by case basis. The extramural phase of the program is for up to 3 years.

Grant Value
It is anticipated that up to 5 awards will be made in FY2025. Award budgets are composed of salary and other program-related expenses. For the extramural phase (R00), applicants can request direct costs of up to $499,000 per year.