FAQs

KL2 scholars are trained to design and oversee research in multidisciplinary team settings, skills critical to a successful career in translational science and the overall mission of the NIH.

Review the below FAQs on the KL2 program.

Can candidates applying for a CTSA KL2 appointment also apply for additional mentored K awards?

The trans-NIH policy stipulates that K12 candidates may not apply or have pending an application for a similar mentored K awards simultaneously.

Are postdoctoral research fellows eligible to apply for the KL2 award?

Yes, as long as the applicant has a full-time junior faculty appointment at one of the partner institution by July 1st of the application year.

What is the application cycle of the KL2 program?

The KL2 application runs on an annual cycle (timeline is subject to change).

REQUIRED Pre-Application Deadline - Mid October
Invitations for Full Applications and Pre-Application Feedback - Mid November
Full Application Deadline (selected applicants) - Late February
Invitations for Interviews (selected applicants) - Early May
Selected Candidate Interviews - Mid-late May
Award Notifications - End of May to early June
Grant Start Date - July 1

Is the July 1st start date flexible?

Does the primary mentor need to be from one of the partner institutions (Cedars, CDU, Lundquist/Harbor-UCLA, UCLA?

It's not a requirement. However, the applicant should realize that it tends to be difficult for individuals to get strong mentorship when the mentor is at another institution. It would probably be better if the applicant had a mentor at their home institution as well.

The website and RFA both indicate the KL2 is for junior faculty to conduct patient-oriented research. Does this mean that the project needs to have direct patient contact?

No. The KL2 award is opened to applications from basic science, clinical research and health services research, which include a translational research plan.

Can an applicant have a VA Career Development Grant that is over $100,000 in direct costs?

No. Applicants cannot be or have been a PI on an equivalent non-PHS peer reviewed research grant that is over $100,000 in direct costs per year.

Can an applicant be on a J-1 Visa as part of the Exchange Visitor Program?

No. Applicants must be a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States, or be lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

For reference, please read the NIH Citizenship Policy.

I do not have my junior faculty appointment yet, how does that play out when applying for the award?

A junior faculty appointment is required. If your junior faculty application is "in process," please make sure this is stated in the letter of support from your department chair or division chief.

What is the format for the budget and budget justification?

Per the KL2 instructions, please submit the budget and justification in NIH format. You can find the forms on NIH website. Form Page 4 is generally used to prepare the budget proposal for each year of the KL2 and the justifications can go on the "Continuation Format Page."

Is the Other Support Pages only asking for information on NIH grants? If not, can you spell out exactly what is needed? (e.g. types of grants/contracts for which paperwork is needed, and exactly what paperwork is needed).

We are requesting Other Support Pages from application on their current, past and pending grants. The OS Pages should follow the NIH guidelines: Other Support includes all financial resources, whether Federal, non-Federal, commercial or institutional, available in direct support of an individual's research endeavors, including but not limited to research grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and/or institutional awards.

NIH Other Support Pages form

The instructions state "Please note that the education plan is worth 1/4 of the final score and should be tightly integrated with the research plan." Is there a breakdown somewhere explaining how much each part of the application is worth?

The review committee will be looking at: (1) candidate, (2) research plan, (3) educational plan, and (4) mentor/institutional support. Each criterion will account for 1/4 of your total score.

How can I enroll in UCLA courses through UCLA Extension?

For information on how to enroll in UCLA courses through UCLA Extension:

How to Enroll

Do I need to be currently appointed at UCLA to apply for the KL2 Program?

Applicants may apply from another institution as long as they will be appointed at UCLA by their start date. The institutional letter should note that the applicant will be appointed at UCLA by July 1st of the application year.

Can I choose any mentor or is there a list of KL2 mentors to choose from?

You are expected to choose your own primary mentor.

I would like to apply for the KL2 Translational Science Award and am writing to see if my research would be consistent with that of the program.

Although I cannot tell you specifically whether your research would be consistent with our program... the proposed projects we have received range from basic science, clinical research and health services research. Questions regarding your research plan should be directed to your primary mentor.

I am applying for the KL2 from UCLA, does the application need to go through OCGA?

Should the research proposal and budget be planned for one year or three years?

The budget and proposal should reflect the plan for the entire 3 years.

From where can I get my NIH Other Support Pages?

Please check with your department or division's fund managers.

I have included a brief description of my research plan. Can you review it to make sure it is feasible for the KL2?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide you guidance on the content, structure, and strategy. These questions should be directed to your primary mentor.

Are there any successful K12/KL2 grant applications for clinical research that you can share with me?

We can't share the applications with you.

I'd like to hire a half-time research coordinator dedicated solely to my project, would that be covered under the research budget? Could a portion of my salary be used to cover the research coordinator's budget?

The salary support of up to $75,000 is only for the awarded Scholar. Your research coordinator salary would need to go under the research budget.