The NIH Director's Early Independence Award supports outstanding early-career investigators who are ready to pursue independent research soon after completing their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, without following the traditional postdoctoral path. The award is designed to accelerate the transition to an independent research career. Applications are welcome across all fields relevant to the NIH mission. The Early Independence Award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program.

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• Special district governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• State governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)

Business

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses

Education

• Independent school districts
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and state institutions of higher education

Miscellaneous

• Other