The NIH Director's Early Independence Award supports talented new researchers to launch independent research programs immediately after completing doctoral or clinical training, bypassing postdoctoral training. It funds projects on any topic aligned with the NIH mission and is part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program. The award encourages innovative research with optional clinical trials.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as nonprofits, small businesses, tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, government entities, and for-profit organizations. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply.
