Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request (Type 4 eSubmission Clinical Trial Optional)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you're an early-stage cancer researcher seeking 7 years of uninterrupted funding to establish your independence, the NCI MERIT Award removes the pressure of competing renewals and gives you room to innovate.
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What this is
This is a career development grant from the NIH's National Cancer Institute designed specifically for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) who need longer runway to establish themselves before facing renewal competition. The award provides up to 7 years of support split into two segments, offering flexibility for creativity and innovation in cancer research. Eligible applicants include small businesses, nonprofits, universities, government entities, and independent researchers working on NIH-relevant research initiatives.
Who can apply
Open broadly to small businesses, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), universities, government agencies, tribal organizations, and independent researchers. Applicants must qualify as Early Stage Investigators as defined by NIH; check NCI guidelines for ESI criteria and research scope limitations.
Eligible applicant types
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Special district governments
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- City or township governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- County governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- State governments
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- Private institutions of higher education
Full description — from the agency
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) (R37) Award provides extended grant support to Early Stage Investigators (ESIs). By providing such an opportunity for longer term support to ESIs, the NCI intends to offer flexibility and opportunity for creativity and innovation and additional time to successfully launch their careers and to become more established before having to submit renewal applications (NOT-CA-18-037). The objective of the NCI's ESI MERIT Award is to allow eligible investigators the opportunity to obtain up to 7 years of support in two segments:
Topics: nci merit award · early stage investigator · cancer research funding · nih r37 grant · research career development · 7-year grant support
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.