Researcher Independence - What is it / How do I show it?

Given the approaching July 4th holiday, I thought I would dig into the often-elusive topic of researcher independence. Many sponsors look for PI's to prove their independence before they are awarded major grants, and many early career grant programs look specifically at an investigator's potential to become independent. So, what do you need to do to show independence?

Have your own space
Sponsors must be confident that you as the PI have the time, space, and resources at your discretion to successfully complete your project and to continue your work after the project. Most sponsors do not want to fund research that seems to be "one and done," they want to see longevity in your research and they want to know that you will continue your work after your award expires.

Show a clear differentiation between your research and your mentor's research
Mentors are crucial to supporting their proteges to become independent, but the best mentors foster their proteges to not only develop the skills they need to be productive in the mentor's lab, but also the skills to manage their own lab, write their own grants, develop their own ideas, etc. Sponsors are not interested in helping to cultivate a clone of your mentor; they'd rather just support the original. But, when you can demonstrate your unique niche in the field and begin to build a track record of your own, then sponsors will be interested.

First author major publications
Even if you're doing large amounts of research and writing for the pubs that you are co-authoring, it is essential that you also first author some of those publications. This indicates that you are the leader of the research being conducted and solidifies for sponsors that you are not just contributing to someone else's work, but are instead creating original research.

Receive grants and execute projects as PI
Although it is a limiting definition, the capstone of researcher independence is to receive significant funding from a major sponsor. This is the R01 from the NIH or a large prestigious award from the NSF or Department of Education. The catch 22 in these situations is that these awards prove you are an independent investigator, but you have to prove you are an independent investigator to get them. This is often a hump that early career investigators encounter. But, again, with the right mentor, and with the earlier categories secured, you're often prepared to tackle this barrier. Remember, that many major agencies are looking to fund newer investigators to grow the research pipeline.

These categories are really benchmarks on your way to showing researcher independence. To achieve them you want to have a concrete plan that leads you toward that independence. It's also essential to have support and a great mentor to help illuminate and facilitate your path. Happy Independence Day!

Resources
Making the Leap to Independence - Science Magazine
Resources for Early Career Investigators - Howard Hughes Medical Institute