§ Federal grant opportunity · RFA-RM-27-004
NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health is accepting applications for NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional). The deadline is September 10, 2026 and the published award range is $350K.
Key facts
- Funder
- National Institutes of Health
- Application deadline
- September 10, 2026
- Award range
- $350K
- Eligibility
- 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.
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Health
- Opportunity number
- RFA-RM-27-004
Program overview
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.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from National Institutes of Health.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before September 10, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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