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), full written application, and an in-person interview.
Update to LOI Requirement
As of August 2026: To optimize access to the program, we will now accept full K12 applications with delayed or no LOIs.
2026 Deadlines
August 14, 2026 (or earlier)
LOI form and draft aims page due
October 15, 2026
Written K12 application due
December 1-4, 2026
In-person interviews conducted at Neuro-EM Retreat
January 2027
Award notifications made
Eligibility
Applicants must be clinically practicing emergency medicine physicians within their first two years of a faculty position (immediately 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.
