K12 Program

The Neuro-EM Scholars K12 Program supports clinically practicing emergency medicine faculty proposing research focused on neurological disorders commonly treated in the pre-hospital and emergency department settings.

How to Apply

The application for the Neuro-EM Scholars Program requires a brief letter of intent (LOI), a full written application, and an in-person interview.

Upcoming Deadlines

September 3, 2025
LOI form and draft aims page due

October 1, 2025
Written K12 application due (no invitation required)

December 2-5, 2025
In-person interviews conducted at Neuro-EM Retreat

January 2026
Award notifications made

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be clinically practicing emergency medicine physicians within their first two years of a faculty position (after residency or fellowship training) at the time of application.

  • Applicants must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the U.S. or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.

  • Candidates must be conducting research within the missions of NINDS, NIDA, or NIA. Any type of research is accepted (e.g., basic, clinical, translational, health services).

Funding

The Neuro-EM Scholars Program typically funds 3 new scholars each year and provides up to 3 years of support for each scholar, including:

  • $115,000/year for candidate salary (covering 75% full-time professional effort/year), plus a fringe rate up to 35%

  • $40,000/year for research and career development costs

  • 8% indirect cost rate

Requirements

  • Applicants must dedicate 75% effort to their research and career development during the first 3 years of the program, and they must have a commitment from their department chair to provide 2 additional years of at least 50% protected time for research after the Neuro-EM Program funding period ends. 

  • Applicants are required to attend the Annual Neuro-EM Program Retreat and will be interviewed by Program Leadership during the meeting. 

  • Funded Neuro-EM Program scholars are expected to attend the Retreat during the 3 years of K12 funding, plus the 2 years immediately following K12 funding (i.e. for 5 consecutive years).

  • Scholars are expected to submit an individual NIH K application (e.g., K08, K23) or R01-equivalent by halfway through the third year of the K12 program.

Have a question or want to learn more about the program?

Fill out the contact form to the right, and a member of the Neuro-EM Scholars Program team will connect with you about your request.