NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
The NIH Director"s Pioneer Award supports individual scientists 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. To be considered pioneering, the proposed research must reflect substantially different scientific directions from those already being pursued in the investigator"s research program or elsewhere. Applications in all topics relevant to the broad mission of NIH are welcome. Research may involve basic, translational, or clinical research. The NIH Director"s Pioneer Award is a component of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research (HRHR) program of the NIH Common Fund.
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) is designed for exceptional scientists and researchers who demonstrate remarkable creativity and the ability to propose groundbreaking, innovative research projects. This prestigious award supports individual investigators whose work has the potential to create significant impact across broad areas aligned with NIH's mission. The program welcomes applications spanning basic, translational, and clinical research domains. What sets this award apart is its focus on truly pioneering research—work that represents substantially different scientific directions from what the investigator or the broader scientific community is currently pursuing. As part of the NIH's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, this award enables visionary scientists to pursue bold ideas that could transform their fields. Researchers with innovative concepts that push scientific boundaries and address important health challenges should consider applying. The funding provides substantial support to conduct research that others might consider too risky or unconventional, making it ideal for scientists ready to challenge existing paradigms and pursue transformative discoveries that could benefit public health and advance medical science.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
September 9, 2026
Award Amount
$700K - $700K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$700K - $700K
Deadline
2026-09-09
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Individual scientists with exceptional creativity pursuing bold, innovative research with transformative potential in areas aligned with NIH mission
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 Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligible applicants are individual scientists of exceptional creativity with bold, innovative research ideas. Domestic U.S. organizations and their components are eligible. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, though foreign components within U.S. organizations are allowed. For complete eligibility requirements including specific career stage and experience criteria, consult Section III of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH website.
How much funding does NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award provides $700,000 in total funding. For specific details about funding cycles, budget periods, and any adjustments to funding amounts, applicants should review the current NOFO on the NIH grants website.
How do I apply for NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the official NIH grants submission system. The application process requires submission of a detailed research proposal describing your innovative, pioneering research idea. The next deadline is September 9, 2026. For step-by-step application instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines, visit the official NIH Director's Pioneer Award page and review the complete NOFO.
What can NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports innovative research projects across basic, translational, and clinical research areas relevant to NIH's broad mission. The award is specifically designed for high-risk, high-reward research that proposes substantially new scientific directions. Funds can support the investigator's salary, research personnel, equipment, and other direct research costs necessary to conduct the pioneering project. Consult the NOFO for detailed information on allowable expenses and budget requirements.
Last updated: July 5, 2026