Funding is granted competitively on the basis of scientific merit.
The NCRR, which also funds the General Clinical Research Centers program nationwide, is receptive to human subjects studies that explore questions above and beyond the conventional clinical trial. Furthermore, the NCRR review committees are comprised completely of clinicians. While individual investigators may apply for a K23 award on their own, there are distinct advantages to applying through the CRC for those who have CRC-based projects. In order to qualify, candidates must have completed their clinical training, including subspecialty training, but they may apply during their final year of fellowship with an institutional commitment for an academic position to follow. K23 candidates are usually U.S. citizens, but may be foreign nationals with a permanent immigration visa.