Multidisciplinary K12 Urologic Research (KURe) Career Development Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA DK 18 027

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 18 027

The Multidisciplinary K12 Urologic Research (KURe) Career Development Program (RFA-DK-18-027) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity designed to help institutions build structured career development programs in urologic research. The central aim is to support a cohort-based, mentored training environment that prepares early-career investigators to launch and sustain independent research careers focused on urology, with particular relevance to benign urologic disease and other urologic research topics that align with the mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). In practical terms, the grant funds an institutional program (rather than individual fellowships) that appoints and supports "Scholars" while they receive protected time, mentorship, and tailored training to progress toward research independence.

The program is intended for institutions that can provide a strong multidisciplinary research ecosystem and a clear, organized plan for developing MDs, PhDs, and MD/PhDs into independent urologic researchers. The Scholars supported through the K12 mechanism are expected to gain the scientific, technical, and professional skills needed to compete successfully for subsequent independent NIH funding (for example, an R01 or comparable award), establish a research niche, and maintain long-term productivity in urology-related research. Because this is an institutional career development award, successful applications typically emphasize the quality of the mentoring team, the strength of the research environment, the rigor of the training curriculum, and the institution's ability to recruit, select, and support promising Scholars.

A notable feature of this FOA is that it is "Clinical Trial Optional." That means the program can appoint Scholars whose career development plans include leading an independent clinical trial as the primary investigator, conducting an ancillary clinical trial connected to a larger parent trial, or gaining experience by participating in a clinical trial led by another investigator. This flexibility is important for urology research, where clinical trials and translational studies are common pathways to meaningful patient-centered advances. The FOA explicitly allows clinical trial activities as long as they are integrated into the Scholar's research and training plan and are consistent with NIH expectations for oversight, ethics, and scientific rigor.

The eligible research scope must be clearly tied to NIDDK's urology mission area. While the FOA summary does not list specific disease topics, it indicates that supported projects should fall within the NIDDK urology scientific priorities (as referenced by the NIDDK urology program area). Applicants are expected to ensure that both the overall KURe program and the individual Scholar research experiences are aligned with NIDDK-relevant urologic conditions and scientific questions, rather than topics outside NIDDK's mandate.

Eligibility to apply is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants listed include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also highlights categories often emphasized for inclusivity and capacity building, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as well as faith-based or community-based organizations and eligible federal agencies. U.S. territories or possessions are also included among the "other eligible applicants" categories.

At the same time, there are clear geographic and organizational limits related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, "foreign components" may be permitted under NIH policy when they meet the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition and are justified scientifically, which can matter for certain collaborations, specialized methods, or unique populations, provided the main applicant organization and core activities remain eligible and appropriately based.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity issued by NIH, categorized under health-related funding (CFDA 93.847). The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $600,000, indicating the maximum anticipated funding level under the announcement (often interpreted as a per-year or total cap depending on the FOA's budget structure, though the listing itself only provides the ceiling figure). The original closing date shown is April 24, 2019, and the opportunity record was created January 31, 2019. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided listing, suggesting that the number of funded programs would depend on NIH priorities, available appropriations, and application quality.

Overall, this KURe K12 FOA is best understood as an institutional investment in building a reliable pipeline of urology researchers by funding a formal, mentored career development program. It supports structured training and research experiences that can include clinical trials, and it targets investigators at a stage where dedicated mentorship, protected time, and a strong institutional program can make the difference between short-term productivity and a sustainable, independent research career in NIDDK-relevant urologic science.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Multidisciplinary K12 Urologic Research (KURe) Career Development Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.847.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-01-31.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-04-24. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• 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, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

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