91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó

Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó & Innovation Office (RIO).

Program SummaryÌý

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.

Deadlines

• CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MT August 3, 2026
• Sponsor Application Deadline: 5:00pm MT September 10, 2026

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

• 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Strategy (3 pages maximum): Please include the following elements: rationale for omitting or abbreviating typical post-doc phase, evidence of transition to independent position, personal/career development plan, evidence of training ability and leadership, host institution interactions, research challenge, experimental approach, innovation, relationship to previous work, timeline.
• PI CV / Biosketch
• Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit:

Eligibility

Only single PD/PI applications are allowed. Multiple PD/PIs applications will not be accepted. U.S. citizenship is not required. For non-U.S. citizens, the applicant institution is responsible for ensuring the PD/PI's U.S. visa status will allow them to conduct the proposed research at the applicant institution for the entire project period.Ìý

Degree Receipt Date: The receipt date of the PD/PI’s terminal doctoral degree or end of post-graduate clinical training must be between May 1, 2025, and September 30, 2027. The degree receipt date is that which appears on the official transcript for the degree. The end of post-graduate clinical training includes residency and fellowship periods. At the time of award, either:

1. The PD/PI must have an eligible doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign institution, or
2. 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.Ìý

Level of Effort: Years 1-2: At least 9.6 person-months per year (80% effort) on the award project. Years 3-5:Ìý 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:ÌýAt the time of application, the PD/PI must still be non-independent.

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.

See the solicitation for full eligibility requirements.Ìý

Limited Submission Guidelines

Two applications per institution are allowed.

Award Information

Awards will be for up to $350,000 in direct costs per year over five years.Ìý

Review Criteria

Please reference the NIH solicitation’sÌý for full details. The internal evaluation will follow NIH’s guidance.ÌýÌý