NIH K99 policy change threatens careers of international scientists

The National Institutes of Health plans to close the door on one of the few pathways available to international students on visas to forge a career in biomedical research in the United States. 

The agency intends to limit eligibility for its “Pathways to Independence” award to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and noncitizen nationals, according to an internal presentation viewed by STAT. Historically, it has been one of few programs to offer funding to international scientists on a visa. Without it, experts fear, even the most promising scholars will struggle to find footing to establish themselves in the U.S. 

The pathway, referred to as a K99/R00, includes funding for two years of a researcher’s postdoctoral studies, and three years of funding as an independent lab head.