The SUO is committed to advocating for the best interests of our members. In response to an RFI from NCI, the SUO submitted comments urging the lowering of the percent effort required for surgeon-scientists applying for K08 awards. The NCI responded to these and other organizations’ comments by making the following change to K08 applications submitted to NCI for due dates on or after the June 12th, 2021.

NCI will allow U.S.-licensed surgeon-scientists with active surgical duties to request less than the required 9 person months (75%) full-time professional effort under a K08 career development award for the specific purpose of maintaining specialty clinical competency. Applicants may not request less than 6 person months (50%) full-time professional effort devoted to research and career development activities.

We applaud this change and believe it will increase the pool of talented applicants increasing the quality and quantity of science being produced.

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