2005 NIH Director's Pioneer Award

The National Institutes of Health announces the 2005 NIH Director's Pioneer Award, a key component of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research. The award supports scientists of exceptional creativity who propose pioneering approaches to major challenges in biomedical research.

The program is open to scientists at all career levels who are currently engaged in any field of research, interested in exploring biomedically relevant topics, and willing to commit the major portion of their effort to Pioneer Award research. Women, members of groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research, and individuals in the early to middle stages of their careers are especially encouraged to nominate themselves. Awardees must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents.

In September 2005, NIH expects to make 5 to 10 new Pioneer Awards of up to $500,000 in direct costs per year for 5 years.

The streamlined self-nomination process includes a 3- to 5-page essay, a biographical sketch, a list of current research support, and the names of 3 references. Submit nominations on the Pioneer Award Web site, between March 1 and April 1, 2005.

For more information, visit the Pioneer Award Web site or e-mail questions to pioneer@nih.gov.