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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PAR-25-324

View the official notice on Grants.gov
692 days left (deadline Sep 7, 2028)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 15, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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Key facts

Opportunity numberPAR-25-324
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.393, 93.396, 93.395, 93.399, 93.394, 93.397
PostedJan 6, 2025
DeadlineSep 7, 2028
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryEducation
Last updated hereOct 15, 2026

Summary from the notice

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:

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Private colleges and universities
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Small businesses
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • State governments
  • Independent school districts
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • City or township governments
  • Special district governments
  • County governments
  • Other Native American tribal organizations

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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