URL: https://commonfund.nih.gov/earlyindependence

Objectives

The NIH Director’s Early Independence Award helps exceptional new scientists start independent research careers right after finishing their doctoral degree or clinical training, forgoing postdoctoral training. This award is intended for early-stage investigators who have a record of scientific innovation and research productivity and have demonstrated unusual scientific vision and maturity.

The award accepts applications on any topic fitting the NIH mission. More information, FAQs, application guide, and webinar recording are on the Common Fund website.

Interested applicants can register for a virtual Application Assistance Webinar on Monday, July 13 from 2 – 3:30 pm.

Funding Information

$350,000 direct costs per year for up to 5 years ($1.75 million total).

Eligibility

Applications may have only one PD/PI and only the PD/PI may be listed as Sr/Key Personnel.

Eligible PIs:

  • Do not need to be US citizens but must have a visa permitting them to do the proposed research in the US for the entire project period
  • Must have completed their terminal doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training between May 1, 2025 and September 30, 2027
  • Must not have more than 12 months of postdoctoral training after an earlier, non-terminal doctoral degree – only for individuals with multiple doctoral degrees
  • Must commit to the following levels of effort:
    • Years 1-2: at least 9.6 person-months per year (80% effort) on awarded 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
  • Must be non-independent at the time of application defined under Eligible Individuals section of NOFO
  • Must have a guaranteed, pending independent research position by the project start date
  • Must be able to begin independent research by the project start date
  • Can apply for both a K award and DP5 (this award) simultaneously, but the project must not overlap scientifically

Internal Selection Process

The internal selection process depends on whether your grants are managed by BU or Boston Medical Center (BMC). Use the steps below to determine this information:

  • Step 1: Open the BUMC Home Institution Finder
  • Step 2: Log in to search the database – search using your last name
  • Step 3: Follow one process:
    • If you see BU or BU-CAMED, follow BU Process below
    • If you see BMC, follow the BMC Process below

BU Process

BU may submit 2 applications.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 7/23/2026

  • Project Abstract (300 words max) describing your research topic and approach, your main hypothesis, and its impact if successful. References may be included and will not be counted in the statement word count
  • List of anticipated letters of support
  • Biosketch in updated NIH format (Please review BU guidance on SciENcv)

As necessary, a faculty review committee will review internal applications and select the institutional nominee(s). If your primary appointment is BU-CAMED and you have questions about this process or your application, please reach out to Julia Huntsman (jhunts@bu.edu) or Gahyun Yoo (gyoo0818@bu.edu) in the Proposal Development Office.

BMC Process

BMC may forward up to 2 applications.

If you are a BUMC faculty member who works in BMC space or you are a fellow whose faculty advisor is a BMC investigator, please contact the Program Manager of Strategic Research Growth, Carolina Giudice (carolina.giudice@bmc.org) by Monday, July 20 to express interest in this opportunity.

Deadlines

BMC Internal Materials Due: Monday, July 20, 2026

BU Internal Materials Due: Thursday, July 23, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

Anticipated Notification Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

External Materials Due: Thursday, September 10, 2026

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