ASH Response to NIH RFI on K Awards

In its September 30, 2026, response to NIH, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) urges the agency to preserve and strengthen K award support for clinical trials and related studies, warning that removing these opportunities could undermine early-career investigators’ development into independent trial leaders. ASH recommends increased or supplemental funding and supports a phased transition to independent research grants as an additional—not replacement—pathway, with clear milestones, protected research time, robust training, and safeguards for Early Stage Investigator eligibility.