Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health · Opportunity PAR-27-062
Who can apply
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3), other than higher education
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3)
- Private institutions of higher education
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others
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.
About this opportunity
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.
Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity
This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 93.121 (“Oral Diseases and Disorders Research”), a broad federal program that made about 300 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $438k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.
Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.
Don't want to hunt for grants like this one? Get free deadline alerts for your state and focus areas.
Consultant or grant writer? See the client-ready Opportunity Brief for this grant — actual award sizes vs. the advertised ceiling, who wins, printable "prepared for your client" version.
Similar grants still open
| Opportunity | Agency | Deadline | Award ceiling | Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) | National Institutes of Health | September 9, 2026 0d left | $700k | Nonprofits |
| Fiscal Year 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services | Health Resources and Services Administration | September 9, 2026 0d left | $350k | |
| NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional) | National Institutes of Health | September 10, 2026 1d left | $350k | Nonprofits |
| Improving the Capacity of Tribal Communities to Identify Emerging Drug Threats | Office of National Drug Control Policy | September 13, 2026 4d left | $300k | Nonprofits |