New investigators are important to the future of biomedical research.
In order to provide new investigators maximum freedom in identifying the level and period of support needed for the work they are planning and thus enhance their opportunities to establish careers in research, NIH has announced a new policy. New investigators are typically less experienced in the preparation of applications and expression of their research plans. To ensure fair reviews for new investigators, the NIH has revised application forms to allow new investigators to indicate this status and thus ensure that reviewers can readily identify applications that are submitted by new investigators. The biosketch should also be used to identify new investigators. All applicants should be evaluated in a manner appropriate for the present stage in their careers.