NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional

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.

Eligibility Requirements

See Section III. Eligibility Information in the RFA for more information.

• Degree or clinical training dates: The PD/PI must complete their terminal doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training between May 1, 2025, and September 30, 2027.
  • The date shown on the official transcript is considered the date the degree was completed. 
  • Clinical training includes residency and fellowship.
  • At the time of award, either:
    • The PD/PI must have an eligible doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign institution, or
    • An authorized official must confirm all degree requirements are complete and the degree will be awarded before September 30, 2027.
• Post-doctoral experience: The PD/PI must not have more than 12 months of postdoctoral training after an earlier, non-terminal doctoral degree. This applies only to individuals with multiple doctoral degrees.
• Effort required:
  • Years 1-2: At least 9.6 person-months per year (80% effort) on the award project.
  • Years 3-5:  At least 9.6 person-months per year (80% effort) on independent research overall, including the award project and any other independent research led by the PD/PI.
• Non-independence required: At the time of application, the PD/PI must still be non-independent. All the following must apply:
  • Research direction requires mentor approval
  • Research is mainly supported through another investigator's funding (mentored fellowships, such as an NIH F31/F32 or NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, do not make an applicant ineligible)
  • No institutionally assigned research space
  • Cannot apply for an NIH R01 without a special institutional waiver or exception

The PD/PI may become independent before the award starts and still remain eligible.

• Independent position required: The PD/PI must have a guaranteed, pending independent research position and be able to begin independent research by the project start date.
  • The position does not have to be permanent or tenure-track.
  • The position may depend on receiving this award.
  • The institution must provide substantial support, as described in the application.
  • Moving to a new institution may be advantageous but is not required.
• Career awards: ThePD/PI may apply for both a K award and DP5 simultaneously, but the projects must not overlap scientifically. A PD/PI cannot hold both simultaneously; if awarded the DP5, the K award must be relinquished.

Application Instructions

Please submit as one combined pdf labeled with PI’s Lastname, Firstname:

1. A one‐page letter of intent with a description of proposed aims and approach.
2. If the final application requires a statement of broader impacts, please summarize your plans to address the specific requirements on an additional page.
3. CV (not biosketch) of the PI including past grant funding.
4. A letter of support from the PI’s mentor or Chair documenting the applicant’s approval to serve as PI on the project.

to limitedsubs@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Late pre-proposals will not be considered. Proposals are due to the sponsor 9/10/2026 so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 8/31/2026 if given the go‐ahead by the Limited Submissions review committee.