Limited Competition: Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Transition Scholar (StARRTS) (K38 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is issuing a limited‑competition, grant‑type Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support “Transition Scholars” – clinician‑investigators who have completed the StARR (R38) program. The K38 award provides salary, research, and career‑development support during subsequent clinical fellowships or early‑faculty appointments, with the goal of retaining a pipeline of physician‑scientists. Up to ten awards are anticipated, with total estimated funding of $10.8 M; individual award amounts range from $2.18 M to $6.44 M. Eligible applicants must be ACGME‑accredited fellowship programs (or equivalent for dental/veterinary specialties) and must have completed an R38 award. Applications are submitted electronically via ASSIST/Grants.gov; peer review follows standard NIH procedures. The deadline for submission is 13 Oct 2028, and awards are expected to commence 1 Jul 2026. • Funding mechanism: NIH K38 career‑development grant (grant notice) • Target audience: Clinical fellowship programs and early‑career faculty who are former StARR R38 awardees • Number of awards: 10 (estimated) • Award size: $2.18 M – $6.44 M per award (total $10.8 M) • Eligibility: Must be ACGME‑accredited (or equivalent) and have completed an R38 award • Key dates: Open 09 Oct 2026, Deadline 13 Oct 2028, Anticipated award 01 May 2026, Project start 01 Jul 2026 • Contact: StARRTS Program, NHLBI ([email protected])