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

National Institutes of Health · HHS

CFDA Numbers

93.310

Award Ceiling

$350K

Award Floor

$350K

Expected Awards

Close Date

Sep 4, 2026

Section I

How to Apply

View on grants_gov ↗

Program Contact

EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov
Please contact via e-mail.

Section II

Eligibility

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

Eligible Applicant Types

00, 01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 11, 12, 13, 20, 22, 23, 25

Section III

Description

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award supports rigorous and promising investigators who wish to pursue independent research soon after completion of their terminal doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, thereby forgoing the traditional post-doctoral training period and accelerating their entry into an independent research career. Applications in any area within the biomedical sciences are welcome. The NIH Director's Early Independence Award is a component of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program of the NIH Common Fund.

Section IV

Key Dates

Posted: Jul 4, 2026
Closes: Sep 4, 2026