The K to Independence Program, part of NYU Langone’s Clinical and Translational Science Program (CTSI), seeks to empower junior investigators with K grant funding to emerge as successful, independent scientists.

Participants in the program, which runs from September to May, attend two 90-minute meetings per month. The first monthly meeting consists of a presentation by a scientific community leader on the successful transition from a mentored research program to an independent research program, followed by discussion and peer-to-peer engagement. The second monthly meeting is a writing accountability group (WAG) that provides researchers with protected time to work on grant proposals or other scholarly products, as well as to engage with peers and advisors. All participants have mentoring sessions with the program directors.

Faculty and trainees with current K grant funding (in the second year or later) at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU College of Dentistry, and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing are eligible for the program. Individuals from other NYU schools or NYC Health + Hospitals programs affiliated with NYU Langone’s CTSI are also encouraged to apply, but must receive approval from program leadership before initiating the application process.

To apply, please complete the K to Independence Program online application. All enrollees must submit a letter of support from their chair with the assurances of protected time to complete the program. Applicants must be in the second year of their K grant awards or later.

First Annual K Day: A Celebration of Research Training

Each year, we celebrate our current K award holders with a research symposium. Junior faculty and postdoctoral fellows considering a K award, as well as those who submitted a K award, former K awardees, mentors, and research leadership attend this annual event. To attend, complete the K Day registration form.

Contact Us

For more information about the K to Independence Program, which is led by co-directors Ryan C. Branski, PhD, and Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, please contact the program directors or program coordinator Daniel Cobos at daniel.cobos@nyulangone.org.