The National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) titled "Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request." This FOA allows recipients of the NCI Early Stage Investigator (ESI) MERIT R37 Award to apply for an extension of up to two additional years of support beyond their original project period. The purpose is to provide extended support for early-stage investigators who have shown significant progress in their research, allowing for greater flexibility and the opportunity to innovate and continue important work without the immediate need for competitive renewal.

Eligible applicants are limited to those holding an active NCI-funded R37 MERIT award. The extension is designed to provide additional time to further develop their research and move toward independence in their scientific careers. The extended support period can provide up to seven years in total: the original award duration and up to two more years during the extension phase.

The funding for the extension is contingent on NIH appropriations and meritorious applications. This FOA accepts applications for both clinical trials and non-clinical trial research, and extensions may not change the human subject or clinical trial designation of the original award. There is no fixed award ceiling or floor, and applicants are encouraged to communicate with their NCI program directors and grants management specialists for guidance on budget caps and project planning.

Applications are submitted electronically through NIH’s ASSIST system or Grants.gov, and the due dates are aligned with the specific requirements of the NCI ESI MERIT Award program. Applications are evaluated administratively by NCI staff, and any extension requests resulting in more than five years of total support will be reviewed by the National Cancer Advisory Board.

Key aspects of the submission include demonstrating sufficient progress in the original award, providing a research strategy for the extension, and showing the scientific importance and timeliness of the proposed continuation work. Applicants must comply with NIH submission requirements and registration processes, including registering in eRA Commons and maintaining active SAM registration.

This FOA provides a critical opportunity for early-career researchers to continue impactful cancer research with NCI support, fostering innovation and leadership in the field.