Yes, you can potentially hold both an R00 (Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award) and an R35 (Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award) from NIGMS, but there are important restrictions and timing rules. The R00 is a postdoctoral fellowship that transitions to a research grant, while the R35 provides long-term support for an investigator’s entire research program. Understanding how these awards interact is key to planning your funding strategy.
What Are the R00 and R35 Grants?
The R00 grant is part of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program. It supports postdoctoral fellows as they transition to independent faculty positions. The R35 grant, known as the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA), provides flexible, long-term funding for established investigators. Both are offered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).
The R00 is typically for early-career researchers, while the R35 targets mid-career and senior investigators. However, some researchers may be eligible for both at different stages of their careers.
Can You Hold Both R00 and R35 at the Same Time?
In most cases, you cannot hold both an R00 and an R35 simultaneously. The R00 is designed as a mentored-to-independent transition award, and its final phase (R00) is meant to support your first independent research position. The R35 is a larger, programmatic grant that requires a proven track record of independent funding.
NIGMS policy states that an individual may not receive more than one MIRA (R35) at a time, and you cannot have an R35 while you have an active R00. If you receive an R35, you must terminate your R00 before the R35 start date.
Can You Apply for an R35 While Holding an R00?
Yes, you can apply for an R35 while your R00 is still active, but you must be prepared to relinquish the R00 if the R35 is awarded. The R35 application requires preliminary data and a strong publication record, which you may develop during your R00 period.
However, be aware that NIGMS expects R35 applicants to have at least one independent research grant (like an R01) or equivalent. Your R00 may not count as an independent grant because it is still considered part of the NRSA training mechanism.
What Are the Key Differences Between R00 and R35?
| Feature | R00 (Postdoctoral Transition) | R35 (MIRA) |
|---|---|---|
| Career Stage | Postdoctoral to early faculty | Established investigator |
| Funding Duration | Up to 3 years (R00 phase) | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Research Scope | Single project | Overall research program |
| Eligibility | Must have completed PhD or equivalent | Must have at least one independent grant |
| Salary Support | Yes, from award | Yes, up to certain limits |
How to Plan Your Funding Timeline
If you are aiming to secure both grants, follow these steps:
- Complete your R00 research and publish results in reputable journals.
- Apply for an R35 only after you have at least one independent grant (like an R01) or equivalent.
- Check NIGMS’s current funding policies, as rules may change.
- Coordinate with your institution’s grants office to ensure a smooth transition.
- If you receive an R35, notify NIGMS and terminate your R00 before the R35 start date.
Are There Any Exceptions?
In rare cases, NIGMS may allow an exception if the R00 is in its final year and the R35 starts immediately after. However, this is not standard practice. You must request prior approval from NIGMS for any overlap.
Always consult the official NIGMS funding opportunity announcements for the most current rules. Each grant type has specific terms and conditions that apply.
Final Thoughts
While you cannot hold both R00 and R35 grants at the same time, you can transition from one to the other. Plan your research trajectory carefully, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the R35. With proper timing, you can maximize your funding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both R00 and R35 grants from NIGMS at the same time?
No, NIGMS policy does not allow holding both grants simultaneously. You must terminate the R00 if you accept an R35.
Can I apply for an R35 while I still have an R00?
Yes, you can apply, but you must be ready to give up the R00 if the R35 is awarded. The R35 start date cannot overlap with the R00.
Does an R00 count as an independent grant for R35 eligibility?
No, the R00 is considered a training award, not an independent research grant. You typically need an R01 or equivalent to be eligible for R35.
What happens if I get an R35 while my R00 is still active?
You must notify NIGMS and terminate the R00 before the R35 begins. NIGMS will coordinate the transition to avoid funding overlap.
Can I get an R00 after having an R35?
No, the R00 is only for postdoctoral fellows transitioning to their first independent position. Once you have an R35, you are beyond that stage.
