Clarifying NIH ’s Approach to Granting ESI Extensions

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. In doing so, we would like to clarify an FAQ that stated that NIH will not approve ESI extensions that are requested during a previous extension period.  We understand that life does not happen sequentially, thus the FAQ have been revised to allow those who are already on an extension to request an additional extension should circumstances require. Consistent with the directives of the 21st Century Cures Act, the Next Generation Researchers policy requires NIH institutes and centers to prioritize awards that will fund ESIs. The policy intends to provide investigators with opportunities for earlier research independence while enhancing workforce diversity. Recognizing that some researchers may have lapses in their research or research training or have experienced periods of less than full-time effort, since the inception of the policy NIH has considered requests to extend the ESI status period. Reasons such extension requests may be granted include: childbirth, medical concerns, disability, family care responsibilities, natural disasters, and active duty military service. Individ...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - Category: Research Authors: Tags: blog Open Mike Early Stage Investigator ESI ESI extension Source Type: funding