How to Get a K Award

Abstract

Basic, translational, and clinical research are fundamental to our understanding of disease and are necessary for the discovery of new or improved therapies. Indeed, it has been demonstrated time and again that cutting-edge medical advances are made primarily by well-trained biomedical scientists, many of whom started their careers with career development grants (K awards).1 However, competition for grant funding today is fiercer than it was previously. Clinical and research fellows now often need to show fundability track records to even compete for tenured-track faculty appointments. With reduced paylines and increased numbers of applications, it is no wonder that trainees today are frustrated, do not bother to apply, or, worse, leave science all together. Yet, despite these obviously worrisome trends, it is possible for trainees to succeed in academia. One way to propagate this success is to receive a K award, a transformative grant that can essentially lay the foundation for a successful career. Here, I will disclose the critical elements needed to secure such an award, and what is surprising is that it is not just about the science. Of course, like for all grants, having a well-written research proposal is absolutely necessary to be competitive. However, in the current climate, attention to every detail is just as imperative and can basically make the difference between a funded and an unfunded grant. In this regard, I think a well-structured career development plan, together with innovative science, strong letters of recommendation, and institutional support, can ensure success in receiving the K award. Because the K award is considered a training grant, having a comprehensive career development plan is critical to obtaining this award. Indeed, the biggest mistake K applicants make is to neglect this section, believing that science alone is sufficient to drive the success of the grant. There are …