The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award, which supports rigorous, mentored scientific research and career development for early-stage postdoctoral scholars. The award provides up to $80,000 per year towards salary and up to $30,000 per year towards research development costs. The goal of the program is to support postdoctoral scholars who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Key points to consider: * The award is for early-stage postdoctoral scholars who have not yet completed their terminal doctoral degree and expect to do so within one year of the application due date. * Candidates must have identified a postdoctoral research group and developed a strong research and career development plan prior to, or shortly after, commencing training with that mentor. * Applications must be submitted by the institution where the postdoctoral research will be conducted. * The award is for up to three years, and awardees may apply for a more advanced NIH career development award after completing the ACE K32.