Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request (Type 4 eSubmission Clinical Trial Optional)
The NCI's MERIT Award extends grant support for Early Stage Investigators up to 7 years, promoting career growth and innovation (NOT-CA-18-037).
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: March 3, 2025 (First application) | July 1, 2025 (Extension requests) | November 1, 2025 (Extension requests)
Funding Amounts: Up to 2 additional years of support; budget limited to direct costs of the final year of the initial project period.
Summary: Provides NCI Early Stage Investigator MERIT (R37) awardees with an opportunity to request a two-year extension, supporting career development and research continuity.
Key Information: Only current NCI ESI MERIT (R37) awardees are eligible; extension requests must be submitted during the penultimate award year.
Description
This opportunity supports currently funded National Cancer Institute (NCI) Early Stage Investigator (ESI) MERIT (R37) awardees by providing a mechanism to request a two-year extension (second phase) of their initial award. The goal is to offer longer-term, stable support to promising early career cancer researchers, enabling them to further establish their research programs, pursue innovative directions, and enhance their career trajectory before needing to submit renewal applications. The extension is intended to foster creativity, flexibility, and sustained progress in cancer research, including clinical trials.
