AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) | PA 22 255

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 22 255

The AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01), funding opportunity number PA 22-255 (CFDA 93.226), is a discretionary grant program run by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Its central aim is to build and sustain a strong, diverse pipeline of researchers who can meet the United States' health services research needs. In practical terms, the program is designed to help early-stage or transitioning scientists develop into independent investigators by giving them the resources and, importantly, the protected time needed for a structured, mentored research and career development experience focused on health services research.

This K01 mechanism is specifically intended for individuals who already hold a research doctoral degree and need an intensive period of supervised training and research to advance their careers. It supports people who are newly entering health services research as well as those who are returning after a significant career interruption, such as a hiatus due to illness or family circumstances. That flexibility makes it relevant both to researchers shifting disciplines into health services research and to capable scientists who need a formal pathway back into an active research trajectory.

The opportunity allows applications from a wide range of U.S.-based organizations that can serve as the applicant institution and provide the environment for mentored career development. Eligible applicants include various levels of government (state, county, city or township, and special district governments), independent school districts, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. It also includes higher education institutions across the spectrum (public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education when applying under those nonprofit categories.

In addition to the broad eligibility categories above, AHRQ explicitly highlights several institution types as eligible applicants, signaling an interest in broad participation and diversity of training environments. These include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). Faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and eligible federal agencies are also included as eligible applicants, reflecting that strong health services research training and mentorship can occur in many settings beyond traditional academic medical centers.

At the same time, there are clear restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. In other words, the applicant organization and its components supported under the award must be U.S.-based.

The opportunity was created on 2022-09-22, and the original closing date listed is 2025-11-09. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is health. The notice as provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would typically need to consult the full funding announcement or related AHRQ guidance for budget limits, project period expectations, and detailed review criteria. Overall, the K01 is best understood as a mentored career development pathway: it is not just research funding, but a structured investment in developing an investigator's skills, mentorship, and progression toward research independence in health services research.

• The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.226.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-09-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-11-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• 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, Others.

Apply for PA 22 255

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