Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant

Overview

The purpose of the Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant is to provide a new pathway for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) who wish to propose research projects in a new direction for which preliminary data do not exist.  Named in honor of the late National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Director, Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is open to a broad range of scientific research relevant to the mission of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). Proposed projects must represent a change in research direction for the ESI and should be innovative and unique. A distinct feature for this NOFO is that applications must not include preliminary data.  PD/PIs who wish to propose research projects consistent with their past work or training and/or supported by preliminary data, should apply to the Parent R01 or other NOFOs allowing for preliminary data. More information and FAQs are available on the Katz award program website.

Created in 2020, the Katz award provides a unique opportunity for early-stage investigators to take their research in a completely new direction, thereby stimulating innovation and encouraging new approaches to solving problems. This NOFO is appropriate for ESIs who wish to initiate a research project in an area different from their previous research focus and/or training experience, and therefore have not produced preliminary data. Proposed research projects can rely on the PD/PI’s prior work and expertise as its foundation, but must not be an incremental advancement, expansion, or extension of a previous research effort. The change in research direction could involve, for example, a new approach, methodology, technique, discipline, therapeutic target, and/or new paradigm, different from the ESI’s previous research efforts. Importantly, the proposed direction must represent a change in research direction for the PD/PI. Because a change in research direction is heavily dependent upon the area of investigation, candidates are strongly encouraged to contact a program director to discuss their proposed project. If the application proposes multiple Principal Investigators (MPIs), all PD/PIs must be ESIs and the proposed project must be a change in research direction for all MPIs. Please note that the application must describe how the proposed new research direction is different from the ESI’s past work in a separate attachment entitled “New Research Directions” (see Section IV, SF424(R&R) Other Project Information).

For this funding opportunity, applications including preliminary data will be considered noncompliant with the NOFO instructions and will be withdrawn. Preliminary data are defined as data not yet published. Existence of preliminary data is an indication that the proposed project has advanced beyond the scope defined by this program and makes the application unsuitable for this funding opportunity. Publication in the proposed new research direction is an indication that the proposed work may not be in a new research direction for the ESI.

Note: This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not accept applications proposing clinical trials.

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.

Recurring deadlines as follows (see NOFO for complete list): September 26, 2025; January 27, 2026; May 27, 2026; September 28, 2026

The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 5 years.

Participating agencies include (see NOFO for complete list): Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP). All applications to this funding opportunity announcement should fall within the mission of the Institutes/Centers. The following NIH Offices may co-fund applications assigned to those Institutes/Centers.