Young Investigators/Students

This page contains resources for New and Early Stage Investigators.

A New Investigator is an NIH research grant applicant who has not yet been awarded a substantial, competing NIH research grant. For example, a Program Director/ Principal Investigator (PD/PI) who has previously received a competing NIH R01 research grant is no longer considered a New Investigator. However, a PD/PI who has received a small grant (R03) or an Exploratory, Developmental Research Grant Award (R21) retains his or her status as a New Investigator. Acomplete list of NIH grants that do not disqualify a PD/PI from being considered a New Investigator is available online.

An Early Stage Investigator, or ESI, is a New Investigator who has completed his or her terminal research degree or medical residency—whichever date is later—within the past 10 years and has not yet been awarded a substantial, competing NIH research grant. ESIs will be identified in the eRA Commons based on information entered about degree conferral date and the end of residency dates. 

• NYU Opportunity: Grant Writing Course (announced March 18)
• NIH Resources on New and Early Stage Investigators
• FAQs about Early Stage Investigators (NIH)
• Dr Cheryl Kitt's presentation has guidance for new investigators