NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Assistance Listings: 93.310 -- Trans-NIH Research Support
Last Updated: June 26, 2026
Description
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.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Business
- Small businesses
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and state institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
Government
- Public and Indian housing authorities
- Special district governments
- County governments
- State governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- City or township governments
Nonprofit
- Other Native American tribal organizations
- Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
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.
Grantor contact information
Description
NIH Director's Early Independence Award Program
EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov
EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| RFA-RM-27-004-Full-Announcement.html | RFA-RM-27-004-Full-Announcement.html | Jun 26, 2026 03:38 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Closing: September 10, 2026
Award
$5,700,000
Program Funding
10
Expected awards
$350,000
Award Minimum
$350,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
RFA-RM-27-004
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
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Category of Funding Activity:
Health
Category Explanation:
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History
Version:
1
Posted date:
June 26, 2026
Archive date:
November 10, 2026
