Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences is offering the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award for Early Stage Investigators to support research programs that align with the NIGMS mission and help build independent research careers. The award funds ambitious, creative projects that can advance productivity and breakthroughs while giving investigators flexibility to pursue new research areas, emerging techniques, and trainee mentoring in a stable environment. The grant is an R35, clinical trial optional opportunity that requires the principal investigator to be an early stage investigator and to devote at least 51% of research effort to the award, with work remaining within the NIGMS mission. Applications are due on specified dates from October 2, 2026 through February 6, 2029, and the award provides up to five years of support with a maximum of $275,000 in direct costs per year; questions may be directed to NIGMS-ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Refer to the Eligibility section in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign institutions: Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.These types of organizations are not eligible to apply: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions), Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations.