Opportunity Listing - NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

Agency: National Institutes of Health

Assistance Listings: 93.310 -- Trans-NIH Research Support

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Description

The NIH Director's Pioneer Award supports exceptionally creative scientists pursuing bold, innovative research with the potential to transform important areas of science relevant to the NIH mission. Proposed projects must explore new scientific directions that differ substantially from the investigator's current research and from existing work in the field. Applications are welcome across all areas relevant to NIH. The Pioneer Award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Government

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

Education

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

Business

For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses

Nonprofit

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

Miscellaneous

Other

Additional information

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

Grantor contact information

Description

NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program Please contact via e-mail.

Email

PioneerAwards@mail.nih.gov

Documents

No documents are currently available.

Link to additional information

Forecasted

Estimated Post Date:

March 15, 2027

Estimated Application Due Date:

September 9, 2027

Estimated Due Date Description:

Not available

Estimated Award Date:

August 30, 2028

Estimated Project Start Date:

September 30, 2028

Fiscal Year:

2028

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$8,200,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$700,000

Award Minimum

$700,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

RFA-RM-28-001

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Health

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Forecast posted date:

September 3, 2026

Archive date: