health · HHS-NIH11

NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · RFA-RM-27-004

19 days left

Award Range

$350K – $350K

Total Program Funding

$5.7M

Expected Awards

Deadline

September 10, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

NIH's award for exceptional junior scientists who want to SKIP the postdoc and start their own lab immediately after their PhD or clinical training. $350K/year, 10 awards. You must have completed your terminal degree within the last 12 months (or will complete it by the award date). This is NIH saying: "You're good enough to be independent right now."

Who Should Apply

Outstanding junior researchers who finished their PhD, MD, or equivalent within the past 12 months and want to launch an independent research program WITHOUT doing a traditional postdoc. Must be at a domestic institution that will provide independent lab space.

Who Should NOT Apply

Anyone more than 12 months past their terminal degree, established investigators, researchers who want a postdoc experience, or foreign institutions.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must be within 12 months of terminal degree (PhD, MD, etc.)
•Must propose independent research (not an extension of your mentor's work)
•Host institution must provide independent space and resources
•Must be at a domestic US institution
•10 awards of $350K/year

💡 GrantQuick Tip

The host institution letter is CRITICAL — NIH needs to see that your university will treat you as an independent PI (office, lab space, startup funds, mentoring plan) not just another postdoc with a fancy title. The 10 awards nationally means your science must be exceptional AND your institution must clearly commit to your independence. Start conversations with department chairs 6+ months before applying.

Competitiveness: Extremely high — 10 awards nationally for the most exceptional new PhD/MD graduates. Your doctoral work must already be extraordinary.

What This Grant Funds

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award helps talented new researchers begin their own independent research program soon after finishing their doctoral degree or clinical training, without first doing postdoctoral training.The award accepts applications on any topic fitting the NIH mission. It is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program.

Attachments

PDF

RFA-RM-27-004-Full-Announcement.html

Who Can Apply

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Eligible Applicant Types

Small BusinessesPrivate Colleges & UniversitiesPublic And Indian Housing AuthoritiesOther Tribal OrganizationsPublic Colleges & UniversitiesNonprofits without 501(c)(3)Special District GovernmentsOther (see NOFO for details)County GovernmentsState GovernmentsFor-Profit OrganizationsFederally Recognized Tribal Governments501(c)(3) NonprofitsIndependent School DistrictsCity/Township Governments

Funding Details

Minimum Award: $350K
Maximum Award: $350K
Total Program Funding: $5.7M
Expected Number of Awards: 10
Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 26, 2026

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 (19 days remaining)

Agency Contact

NIH Director's Early Independence Award Program EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov

EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov