Director’s New Innovator Award Program (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers proposing innovative biomedical and behavioral research projects. Early-stage investigators (typically within 10 years of first independent research position) are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree and a domestic research position at an NIH-eligible institution. Research can be conducted at universities, medical centers, and nonprofit research organizations nationwide. Projects must demonstrate scientific innovation and be beyond the pilot stage but not yet well-established.
Key dates
- Dec 11, 2025 Applications open
- Aug 19, 2026 Application deadline in 67 days
- Aug 30, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
Program description
The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award supports early stage investigators of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative research projects with the potential to produce a major impact on broad, important areas relevant to the mission of NIH. Applications in any area within the biomedical sciences are welcome. The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award complements other ongoing efforts by NIH and its Institutes and Centers to fund early-stage investigators. The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award is a component of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research (HRHR) Program of the NIH Common Fund.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D)
- Project Narrative (Research Plan)
- Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (NIH Format)
- Institutional Support Letter
- Preliminary Data Figures/Tables
Program contact
- 👤 NIH Director's New Innovator Award Program
- 📧 NewInnovatorAwards@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.310 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$973,507,476
-
$383,462,829
-
$190,396,050
-
$179,743,190
-
$169,422,678
-
$167,922,818
-
$143,679,156
-
$134,358,531
-
$115,739,255
-
$91,722,927
Top States by Funding
- NC 5 awards $1,419.6M
- WA 1 awards $383.5M
- MD 2 awards $303.8M
- NY 3 awards $192.1M
- NJ 1 awards $179.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.310). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,174,839,078 | |
| 2025 | $1,062,277,534 | |
| 2026 est. | $28,100,048 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Early-career researchers within ~10 years of their first independent position. You must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree.
What institution types can apply?
Universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations. Institution must be NIH-eligible.
What research areas are supported?
Biomedical and behavioral research. Clinical trial work is optional but allowed under this program variant.
How much funding is available?
Typical awards are $250,000-$350,000 per year for up to 5 years, though amounts vary by field.
When should I start preparing my application?
Begin 4-6 months before the deadline. NIH grants require detailed research plans and institutional commitments.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize scientific innovation and proof-of-concept data over preliminary results from established labs.
- Include a clear, realistic budget that aligns with your research scope and early-career stage.
- Secure strong institutional support and a mentor/collaborator team early in planning.
- Use plain language to explain your innovation. Avoid jargon that obscures your actual research contribution.
- Request feedback from your grants office and experienced colleagues before submitting.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often underestimate how much preliminary data is needed to be competitive. Vague or overly ambitious research aims without clear innovation metrics hurt proposals. Poor budget justification relative to proposed work scope leads to unfavorable reviews.
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