Program Snapshot
Part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, the award supports promising, newly graduated scientists with the intellect, scientific creativity, drive, and maturity to bypass the traditional postdoctoral training period to launch independent research careers.
- Single PI only
- Recipient of terminal research degree or completed postgraduate clinical training within previous 16 months or expectation to do so within following 12 months of application submission date
- Must be in non-independent research position at time of application submission
- Limit of 2 applications per institution
- Preliminary data not required
- Requires 9.6 months of research effort each year for first 2 years
- Requires 3-5 Letters of Reference
- $350,000 direct costs per year for up to 5 years
View Current Funding Opportunities
Join our Listserv or contact us at EarlyIndependence@od.nih.gov .
Award Overview
The NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 mechanism), established in 2011, accelerates the entry of exceptional junior investigators (within 16 months after or 12 months before receiving their terminal research degree or completing postgraduate clinical training) into positions of independent research by omitting the traditional postdoctoral training period. The review places a strong emphasis on the qualities of the investigator and the environment provided by the host institution.
View the Early Independence Award Slideshow
Information & Help
Funded Research
*Advisory Committee to the NIH Director Working Group Findings