Requesting Extensions for Early Career Scientists Whose Career Trajectories Have Been Significantly Impacted by COVID-19

(Notice Number: NOT-OD-21-052)  The COVID-19 pandemic, along with extensive mitigation measures, has adversely affected progress in many biomedical research settings. Evidence from multiple sources, including a survey NIH issued to its extramural research workforce, indicates legitimate concerns about career trajectory for early career scientists. Therefore, within existing constraints of available funding, NIH plans to support early career scientists whose career trajectories have been significantly affected by the pandemic. Therefore, NIH is providing an opportunity for recipients of NIH Fellowship (“F”) and NIH Career Development (“K”) awards who have been impacted by COVID-19 to request extensions.