NIH Director's Early Independence Award

Part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, the award supports outstanding junior scientists with the intellect, scientific creativity, drive, and maturity bypass the traditional postdoctoral training period to launch independent research careers.

• Single PI only
• Must complete doctoral degree or clinical training between June 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024
• Must be in non-independent research position at time of application submission
• Limit of 2 applications per institution
• Preliminary data not required
• Requires 9.6 months of research effort each year for first 2 years
• Requires 3-5 Letters of Reference
• $250,000 direct costs per year for up to 5 years

To learn more about the nomination process, please email UChicagoGRAD Fellowships at grad-fellowships@uchicago.edu.