Change in New Investigator Policy Designed to Encourage Early Transition to Research Independence

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An Early Stage Investigator (ESI) is a New Investigator who is within 10 years of completing a terminal research degree or of completing medical residency (or the equivalent). ESI applications will be identified and the career stage of the applicant will be considered at the time of review and award.  NIH hopes that by providing a focus on ESIs, we will be able to directly encourage earlier application for NIH research grant support. Peer reviewers will be instructed to concentrate more on the proposed method of research and to expect less preliminary data than might be provided by an established investigator. In addition, many NIH institutes and centers will give special consideration to ESI applications; while in some cases, grant periods for ESIs may be longer. For additional details on this new policy please see NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-08-121.

New Investigators can update degree information in their eRA Commons profile immediately, and after January 17, 2009, the Commons will be ready to accept residency completion dates as well. New investigators who do not yet have an eRA Commons account must work through the sponsored research office or its equivalent at their institution in order to establish an account and complete a profile. Investigators who enter degree and residency completion dates will be notified of their ESI status by e-mail.

  • Click here to find out more about updating your personal profile
  • Work through your sponsored research office if you need an eRA Commons account
  • After January 17, return to your profile to add your residency completion date