NHGRI New and Early-Stage Investigator Grants
Funds early-career genomics researchers through dedicated grant pathways toward independent leadership.
NHGRI's New and Early-Stage Investigator Grants give early-career researchers a dedicated entry point into the institute's genomics portfolio. The route sits under the National Human Genome Research Institute and spans mission areas from genomic sciences and genomic medicine to data science and ELSI research. The current active FOAs are RFA-HG-25-009 for independent researchers with ESI status and PAR-24-075, the Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant, for investigators making a substantial career direction change. The latter does not allow preliminary data. The program follows an annual cycle, and the recent deadline cited in the record was February 28, 2025, with a January 29 letter-of-intent deadline for that round. Award terms are set in the FOA. This route fits applicants who are newly independent and can show clear alignment with NHGRI priorities rather than broad generic genomics work. The institute emphasizes early consultation with program directors, which matters here because the review lens is both scientific and career-stage specific. Strong proposals usually make the case that the investigator has a distinct direction, a focused genomics question, and enough maturity to carry the project without leaning on a large preliminary-data package.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.