Synopsis

The purpose of the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is to support rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for up to three years for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must submit their application up to one year prior to beginning their postdoctoral position or no more than two years after their postdoctoral training begins (resubmissions included). The ACE K32 will foster early, goal-directed planning and encourage innovative applications with the potential for a significant impact on scientific research and career development. Inclusion of preliminary data are not required as the ACE K32 emphasizes innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
Response Date	Jul 12, 2029 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	May 27, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Archive Date	Sep 12, 2029 12:00:00 AM EDT
Award Ceiling	N/a
Award Floor	N/a
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, City or township governments, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Private institutions of higher education, County governments, Independent school districts, For profit organizations other than small businesses, State governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Special district governments, Small businesses

Additional Info on Eligibility:

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Additional Information

Agency Name	National Institutes of Health
Link to Additional Information:	N/a
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 301-402-2541

CFDA Program(s)

• 93.121: Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
• 93.286: Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health
• 93.398: Cancer Research Manpower
• 93.853: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
• 93.855: Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research