World Trade Center Health Early-Career Researchers Funding 2026 K01 Award: Mentored career development funding for early-career researchers in WTC-related health research. Apply by October 28, 2025, for up to 3 years of mentorship and research support.
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) offers early-career researchers a unique opportunity to gain intensive, mentored experience in health research related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the K01 award is designed to foster the careers of emerging investigators who are passionate about WTC-related health research and public health.
Researchers awarded the K01 benefit from protected research time, mentorship from leading scientists, and the chance to make significant contributions to understanding, diagnosing, and treating health conditions affecting WTC responders and survivors
Purpose of the K01 Award
The K01 Award is aimed at:
- Providing 75% protected research time for up to 3 years.
- Helping early-career researchers transition from postdoctoral training to independent research funding (U01 or R01).
- Supporting research that addresses diagnostic and treatment uncertainties for WTC-related health conditions.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
The goal is to develop a pipeline of highly trained investigators who can conduct rigorous research benefiting WTC responders, survivors, and related populations.
Eligibility for World Trade Center Health Early-Career Researchers Funding 2026
Applicants must:
- Be junior researchers seeking mentored research experience.
- Demonstrate the need for mentorship to advance toward independent research.
- Focus on WTC-exposed populations, including responders and survivors.
- Be affiliated with an eligible institution that can provide mentored research support.
Institutions can submit multiple applications, provided each is scientifically distinct.
Key Research Areas
NIOSH/WTC Health Program supports K01 projects in the following areas:
- Implementation Research – Study how research outputs are disseminated, adopted, and implemented for affected populations.
- Health Services Research – Investigate access, cost, and outcomes of care for WTC-exposed individuals.
- Health Equity Research – Explore vulnerabilities and health disparities among historically underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and older adults.
- Treatment Research – Develop or evaluate interventions like medications, psychotherapy, nutrition, or telemedicine.
- Prevention Research – Test strategies to prevent or reduce the recurrence of health conditions.
- Quality of Life Research – Develop interventions to improve comfort and well-being for individuals with chronic or multiple health conditions.
Focus areas may include: nutrition, sleep, stress management, physical activity, social connectedness, substance avoidance, and optimized medication use.
Targeted outcomes include: respiratory diseases, cancer and palliative care, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric conditions (PTSD, anxiety, depression), cognitive decline, and healthy aging.
Application and Submission Details
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-OH-24-004
Key Dates:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Recommended: September 26, 2025
- Application Due Date: October 28, 2025
- Scientific Merit Review: March 2026
- Earliest Start Date: July 1, 2026
Submission Platforms:
- NIH ASSIST system
- Grants.gov Workspace
- Institutional system-to-system (S2S) solutions
Applicants should submit early to ensure error-free applications and allow time for corrections.
Funding Details
- Mentored career development support with 75% protected research time.
- Duration: Up to 3 years.
- Supports research that directly benefits the 9/11-exposed population.
- Provides mentorship from leading scientists in WTC-related health research.
How to Apply
- Review the Career Development (K) Instructions in the NIH Application Guide.
- Prepare a research plan demonstrating scientific rigor, feasibility, and impact.
- Identify a mentorship team with expertise in WTC-related health research.
- Include a plan for diverse and inclusive participation, culturally competent research, and dissemination strategies.
- Submit your application via Grants.gov or NIH ASSIST.
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Why This Award Matters
- Offers structured mentorship to early-career investigators.
- Ensures research continuity in WTC-related health issues.
- Provides a platform for high-impact research that benefits responders and survivors.
- Connects researchers with a rich ecosystem of WTC research resources, including publications and funded project data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the K01 award?
Early-career researchers affiliated with eligible institutions, focusing on WTC-exposed populations, who need mentored support to transition to independent research.
2. What populations are studied under this program?
WTC responders, screening-eligible WTC survivors, and certified-eligible WTC survivors. Research need not be generalizable to other populations.
3. What are the main research areas for K01 projects?
Implementation, health services, health equity, treatment, prevention, and quality of life research.
4. How long is the K01 award?
Up to 3 years with 75% protected research time.
5. Is mentorship provided?
Yes, awardees receive intensive, structured mentorship from experienced investigators.
6. How do I submit my application?
Via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. Early submission is recommended.
7. What is the deadline for applications?
The application is due on October 28, 2025.
8. Can multiple applications be submitted from the same institution?
Yes, as long as each application is scientifically distinct.
Resources
- WTC Health Program Research Page – Access the research agenda, publications, and Funding Dashboard.
- NIH eRA ASSIST Help – Online submission guidance.
- Contact: commons@od.nih.gov | Phone: 301-402-7469
Keywords
World Trade Center Health K01, WTC Health Program, early-career researcher funding, mentored research award, NIOSH K01 2026, 9/11 health research grant, postdoctoral career development, WTC responder research, disaster-related health funding, clinical research grant, research mentoring award, public health career funding
