The 2006 NIH Director Pioneer Award program announcement has been published. The full announcement is online at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-06-005.html. The award, a key component of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, supports exceptionally creative scientists who take innovative approaches to major challenges in biomedical research. The program is open to scientists at all career levels. The scientists may currently be engaged in any field of research provided they are interested in exploring biomedically relevant topics and willing to commit at least 51 percent of their research effort to the Pioneer Award project. 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 apply. Awardees must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents. In September 2006, NIH expects to make five to ten new Pioneer Awards of up to $2.5 million in direct costs over a 5-year period. The streamlined, electronic application process includes a three- to five-page essay, a biographical sketch, identification of the applicant most significant publication or achievement, and three letters of reference. Applications may be submitted between January 15 and February 27, 2006. See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-06-005.html for application instructions. For more information, visit the Pioneer Award Web site at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer or e-mail questions to pioneer@nih.gov.