Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Policies

An ESI is a Program Director/Principal Investigator who has completed their terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training, whichever is later, within the past 10 years and who has not previously competed successfully as a PD/PI for a substantial NIH independent research award. Read on to learn about NIH policies and how NIH support for ESIs helps promote the growth, stability, and diversity of the future biomedical research workforce.

ESI Infographics Early Stage Investigator Status Infographic
Early Stage Investigator A Program Director / Principal Investigator (PD/PI) who has completed their terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training, whichever date is later, within the past 10 years and who has not previously competed successfully as PD/PI for a substantial NIH independent research award. See our list of NIH grants that a PD/PI can hold and still be considered an ESI. R01-equivalent ESI applications with meritorious scores will be prioritized for funding.
New Investigator A New Investigator (NI) has not previously competed successfully for a Substantial research grants from NIH. NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) fund New Investigators according to the ICs' programmatic and strategic interests.

NIH Early Stage Investigators Policy

Learn how NIH prioritizes awards that fund early stage investigators.

Determining Early Stage Investigator Status

Learn about ESI eligibility and how investigators complete their eRA Commons profile to ensure NIH systems have the information needed to calculate eligibility.

Early Stage Investigators Extensions

We understand that life happens. NIH considers requests for extensions of ESI eligibility from researchers who have lapses in their research or research training or have experienced periods of less than full-time effort.

Early Stage Investigator Related Data

Learn more about ESI funding and related data.

History of NIH Support for Early Career Investigators

Explore the detailed history of NIH's longstanding interest in the training and subsequent research support for establishing independent research careers.

Related Notices, Laws, Statements and Reports

Explore related notices, policy references, statements, reports, and other resources related to ESIs.

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Upcoming Events

    General

    Programs, presentations, podcasts and more!

    Podcasts 

    • Early Stage Investigators (Part 1): The Policy (9:55)
      Discusses NIH’s interest in supporting ESIs, who is and is not an ESI, the benefits afforded to ESIs, and more.
    • Early Stage Investigators (Part 2): Extensions (7:52)
      Discusses NIH’s interest in supporting ESIs, who is and is not an ESI, the benefits afforded to ESIs, and more.
    • NIH Family Friendly Policies (9:55)
      From funding available for childcare costs to extensions of early-stage investigator (ESI) status, NIH supports various programs and policies fostering a balanced work and family life. Insights on available programs, who is eligible, some of the fine print, and other tips to consider when seeking support.

    Presentations and Videos 

    Programs for Scientists Just Beginning Their Independent Careers 

    NIH has a number of programs aimed at promoting diversity and enhancing progress to an independent career, such as:

    Videos

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      This page last updated on: August 22, 2024
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