NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
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; topics may involve basic, translational, or clinical research. 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.
The NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional) is designed for early-stage investigators who demonstrate exceptional creativity and propose bold, highly innovative research projects with significant potential to impact important areas of biomedical science. This award supports researchers at the beginning of their independent careers who have the vision and capability to pursue groundbreaking work that could reshape their research fields. The program welcomes applications across all biomedical sciences—including basic, translational, and clinical research—making it ideal for investigators ready to take calculated risks on innovative ideas that might not fit traditional funding mechanisms. With $475,000 in available funding, this award provides substantial resources to support high-risk, high-reward research that aligns with the NIH mission. As part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, this award complements other early-stage investigator funding initiatives and represents a unique opportunity for scientists prepared to pursue transformative research directions. If you're an early-career researcher with a creative, innovative project that could produce major scientific advances, this award recognizes and supports your potential to make a significant impact on biomedical research.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 17, 2026
Award Amount
$475K - $475K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$475K - $475K
Deadline
2026-08-17
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Early-stage investigators with exceptional creativity pursuing bold, innovative biomedical research projects with potential for major impact
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligibility is limited to early-stage investigators of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative research projects. U.S. domestic entities and U.S. organizations are eligible; however, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are permitted. For comprehensive eligibility requirements, including career stage definitions and other specific criteria, consult Section III of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH website.
How much funding does NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
The NIH Director's New Innovator Award provides $475,000 in funding for the award period. For details on budget periods, allowable indirect costs, and any variations by funding cycle, please visit the official NIH Director's New Innovator Award program page.
How do I apply for NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH electronic submission system (eRA Commons/ASSIST). The application deadline is August 17, 2026. You will need to prepare a research proposal that clearly articulates the innovative and bold nature of your project, its potential for major impact, and its relevance to NIH's mission. Detailed instructions on proposal format, required components, and submission procedures are available in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH grants website.
What can NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports research projects across the full spectrum of biomedical sciences, including basic, translational, and clinical research (with the clinical trial option available). Funds may be used for personnel, equipment, materials, and other reasonable costs necessary to conduct the proposed innovative research. The 'Clinical Trial Optional' designation means applicants may choose to include or exclude clinical trials in their research plan. For specific allowable use categories and budget guidelines, refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement and the award's NOFO.
Last updated: July 5, 2026