Clarifying NIH’s Approach to Granting ESI Extensions

September 17, 2021

There has been a lot of focus on early stage investigator (ESI) extension requests in the community recently. And we certainly understand why. The experience of the COVID-19 public health emergency has brought into sharp focus that the effects of the pandemic on careers and life in general may continue for years to come. This fact has led us to revisit our approach to granting ESI extension requests.

All About Grants Podcast – Early Stage Investigator Policy and Extensions

August 11, 2021

Take a few minutes and join us for this NIH All About Grants podcast mini-series on Early Stage Investigators (ESIs). In part 1 of this two-part conversation, we touch on NIH’s interest in supporting ESIs, who is and is not an ESI, the benefits afforded to ESIs, and more. We discuss extending one’s ESI status in part 2.

Can ESI Status Be Extended Due to Disruptions From COVID-19?

April 9, 2020

Yes. Be sure to describe the nature of the disruption to your research in your ESI extension request. We suggest you submit the request once you know how much research time was lost, unless your upcoming application deadline is imminent and an ESI extension is urgently needed. In this case you would be able to submit another extension once you know the full extent of the time lost. Check out this handy chart that breaks down what can or cannot impact your ESI status.

Extension Policy for K99/R00 Eligibility

November 4, 2019

NIH recognizes that a lot can happen to interrupt the 4-year K99 eligibility window. Since one of the most popular reasons for extension requests involve childbirth, NIH will approve an extension of one year for childbirth, consistent with the NIH Extension Policy for Early Stage Investigator Status (ESI), effective immediately. Men, those adopting children, and same-sex partners of individuals giving birth can also apply for an extension.

Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Extension Request Process Moving to eRA Commons

August 5, 2019

NIH recognizes that a lot can happen to interrupt the ten-year eligibility window of your Early Stage Investigator (ESI) status, such as family care responsibilities, military service, medical concerns, and more. While you may currently request an extension of that ten-year period by completing an Extension Request Form, the process for requesting an extension of ESI status will soon be moving to the eRA Commons.