The NIH R37 research project, known as the Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award, is meant to provide “long-term grant support to investigators whose research competence and productivity are distinctly superior and who are highly likely to continue to perform in an outstanding manner.” The award provides up to 7 years of support, awarded in two phases: (1) 5 years, then (2) an extension of up to 2 years. Certain administrative supplements are also available for R37 parent grants.
Which ICs issue R37s?
NIA, NCI, NIAID, and NINDS issue R37 awards. NHLBI, NICHD, NIDDK, and NIGMS phased them out. You should always check to see if your IC has implemented, or maintained, their R37 portfolio, as participation in this mechanism can change over time. NINDS’ R37 is the Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, named after Senator Javits (NY) who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and was an advocate for support of research in disorders of the brain and nervous system.
Eligibility
Researchers cannot apply for a MERIT award. Instead, participating Institutes and Centers (IC) program staff identify R01 applications for conversion to an R37. Program staff look for applications that receive a score within the respective IC’s payline. Additionally, the applications are from investigators who have demonstrated superior competence and excellent productivity; have significant records of scientific achievement; and work in a research area of special importance or promise.
Each IC may have different eligibility criteria. For example, the NCI limits eligibility to Early Stage Investigator (ESI) R01s. However, NIAID and NIA MERIT awards are available to all researchers regardless of level of experience. NINDS R37 awardees have generally had at least two consecutive cycles (i.e. 10 years) of continuous NINDS R01 (or equivalent) support and have a record of service to NIH or NINDS.
The MERIT award is prestigious, evidenced by the limited number of awards and the very specific criteria for selecting R01s to be converted. If you have an R01 application that scored well within the funding line at an IC that offers the MERIT, it is worth reaching out to the program officer to inquire about the possibility of having the award converted to an R37.
R37 extensions
Requirements for extension requests vary by IC. Awardees should check their NOA and/or the IC’s R37 page for guidance. In general, awardees should be prepared to provide their awarding ICs with at least the following:
- A progress report (number of pages may vary by IC)
- A research plan for the extension period along with updated aims.
- An explanation of how the research plan for the extension period falls within the scope of the parent grant.
- A budget (modular or detailed) for the extension period that falls within the budgetary limitations for extensions.
- Updated human subjects and/or vertebrate animals sections ( if changes are proposed) or a statement indicating no changes to human subjects and/or vertebrate animals.
- An updated list of grant-related publications (published and submitted); presentations at national and international meetings; and resource and data sharing, if applicable.
- Other Support
