Initial Outcomes for the NHLBI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Program in Relation to Long-Standing Career Development Programs: Implications for Trainees, Mentors, and Institutions.

Sufficient history now exists to assess the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), first offered in 2007 to support the career development of biomedical researchers. The success of K99 principal investigators (PIs) in obtaining subsequent grant support was compared to PIs supported by the long-standing K08 and K23 programs. For cardiovascular K awards initiated in fiscal years 2007–2009, K99 PIs were more successful in obtaining subsequent grant support than the other groups. Although a bibliometric analysis showed similar publication quality for all groups, the K99 group was most persistent in applying for the next grant. Possible implications of these findings for all K Award PIs, their mentor’s, and institutions are presented.