My First Substantial Independent Research Award Was Terminated Early. Can My ESI Status Be Reinstated?

June 12, 2025

Investigators lose their Early Stage Investigator (ESI) eligibility when they successfully compete for and receive a substantial independent research award. In the event an investigator’s first substantial independent research award is terminated within the first three years of the project period, and this was not due to scientific misconduct or other disqualifying events, the investigator can request the reinstatement of ESI status, using the ESI Extensions request tool in eRA commons. See Requesting an Extension for instructions.

For more, see the Early Stage Investigators FAQ page.

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