The objective of the MERIT Award is to provide long-term, stable support to investigators whose research competence and productivity are distinctly superior and who are likely to continue to perform in an outstanding manner.
"This is a fantastic recognition of the future of MRE. NIH is the world's premier funding agency for medical research. Our program is honored to have had their support since 1995, and look forward to maintaining and growing that relationship in the future," said Dr. Ehman.
The provision of long-term stable support to such investigators is expected to foster their continued creativity and spare them the administrative burdens associated with preparation and submission of full-length research grant applications. This may allow investigators the opportunity to take greater risks, be more adventurous in their lines of inquiry or take the time to develop new techniques. After the initial 5 years of support the MERIT awardee may request an extension of 3 to 5 more years based on an eight-page progress report and a one-page abstract of the research plan for the extension period.
