[National Institutes of Health (NIH)](https://www.nih.gov/)

October 5, 2026 (Estimated)

Amount varies; single award supports an investigator’s entire NIGMS research program for multiple years.

Provides flexible, long-term funding to support early stage investigators’ research within the NIGMS mission.

Forecasted opportunity—dates and details subject to change.

--- ## Description The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the NIH, is continuing its flagship program to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) through the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA). This program consolidates NIGMS research funding for a principal investigator into a single award, providing greater stability and flexibility for fundamental, investigator-initiated research. The goal is to empower promising early career researchers to pursue ambitious, innovative projects, increase scientific productivity, and reduce administrative burden. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated Application Due Date: October 5, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Funding amount varies by investigator and project. - The award is designed to support all NIGMS research in an ESI’s laboratory, typically for multiple years. - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and private institutions of higher education - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status - State, county, city, township, and special district governments - Independent school districts - Native American tribal governments and organizations - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories or possessions - Faith-based and community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Eligible federal agencies Applicants must qualify as Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) per NIH definitions. --- ## Application Process - This is a forecasted opportunity; the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be posted closer to the estimated application due date. - Applications will be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360593). - Prepare to describe your entire research program that aligns with the NIGMS mission. - Monitor the [NIGMS MIRA program page](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/research/mechanisms/MIRA/pages/default.aspx) for updates and details on application instructions. --- ## Additional Information - The MIRA program aims to distribute funding widely among talented early career investigators. - The award provides scientific flexibility and reduces administrative burden by consolidating support into one grant. - The program is intended for fundamental, investigator-initiated biomedical research. --- ## External Links - [NIH (Funder Home)](https://www.nih.gov/) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Details](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360593) - [NIGMS MIRA Program Page](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/research/mechanisms/MIRA/pages/default.aspx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------- |--------------------------------------|---------------| | Michelle R. Bond, Ph.D. & Marc Rigas, Ph.D. | [ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov](mailto:ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov) | 301-594-2987 |

Maximizing Investigators Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)

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