Skip to main content

In an effort to bolster the engagement of junior clinician scientists in research, the School of Medicine is rolling out a new incentive to support research activities of clinician scientists in their departments. To apply for funding, clinical departments should submit the names and degrees of current K awardees in their departments by July 12, 2019.


Clinician scientists are critical to ensuring the effective translation of discoveries from the bench to the bedside. The first step towards a successful clinical research career is often a mentored career development award from the NIH (K award), which requires that the applicant devote a minimum of 75% effort for the research project. Clinical departments must provide clinical coverage to release research time for the recipients of these awards. The Dean’s office recognizes that clinical obligations can limit the ability of departments to expand their support for early career physician scientists engaged in research.

This strategic initiative is intended to help address this problem and expand the cohort of clinician scientists with an MD or MD/PhD in the SOM who are engaged in scientific research. On an annual basis over the course of the strategic plan, the Office of Research (OoR) will allocate $15,000/year for up to 3 years to the department of each K awardee that holds an active externally funded K01, K08, K22, K23, K24, K26 or K99 grant from NIH, to help offset clinical departmental obligations for these clinician scientists.

To apply for funding, clinical departments should submit the names and degrees of current K awardees in their departments by July 12, 2019. Please submit the information on this online form.

Please contact Jennifer Brennan or Trisha Dant in the Office of Research with any questions: or 919-966-8089.