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NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional)

ID: RFA-RM-26-002 • Type: Forecasted
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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.

Background
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. This award is part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program of the NIH Common Fund.

Grant Details
The grant aims to fund innovative research projects proposed by early-stage investigators. The specific tasks include developing and executing research that addresses significant challenges in biomedical sciences, fostering creativity and innovation in scientific inquiry, and potentially leading to breakthroughs that can significantly advance health-related knowledge or practices.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is limited to early-stage investigators who have not previously received substantial NIH funding. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional creativity and propose innovative research ideas that have the potential for high impact.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the grant will be determined upon award but typically spans several years to allow for comprehensive research development and execution.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is up to $1.5 million over five years, with individual awards varying based on project needs and scope.

Place of Performance
The grant can be performed at any eligible institution within the United States or internationally, provided it aligns with NIH guidelines.

Overview

Category of Funding
Health
Funding Instruments
Grant
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
False
Source
On 12/11/25 the National Institutes of Health forecasted grant opportunity RFA-RM-26-002 for NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional) with funding of $23.0 million. The grant will be issued under grant program 93.310 Trans-NIH Research Support. It is expected that 30 total grants will be made worth between $475,000 and $475,000.

Timing

Forecast Posted Date
Dec. 11, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EST
Est. Application Posting Date
June 19, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT
Est. Synopsis Response Date
Aug. 19, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT Forecasted
Last Updated
Dec. 11, 2025, 11:03 a.m. EST
Version
1

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
State governments
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Special district governments
City or township governments
Independent school districts
Private institutions of higher education
County governments
Small businesses
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Additional Info
Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government, excluding the NIH Intramural Research Program (NIH IRP);U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

Award Sizing

Ceiling
$475,000
Floor
$475,000
Estimated Program Funding
$23,000,000
Estimated Number of Grants
30

Contacts

Contact
NIH Director's New Innovator Award Program

Documents

Posted documents for RFA-RM-26-002

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