Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request (Type 4 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a grant program called the Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (also known as the R37 Award). This particular grant is designed to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) by providing extended financial assistance. The goal of this program is to give these investigators more flexibility and opportunity for innovation in their research. Furthermore, it's intended to help investigators become more established in their careers by giving them additional time before they need to submit renewal applications as per the NOT-CA-18-037 guidelines.

Importantly, the MERIT Award can provide up to 7 years of support. However, this support is given in two segments rather than a single lump-sum. Through this award, ESIs can extend their research timelines, hence offering a possibility to conduct ongoing or future research. This grant is beneficial for activities that span clinical trials, but it's not strictly required to be involved in such studies.