Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
Supports early-stage investigators pursuing research aligned with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences mission, offering stable funding to build careers and explore ambitious projects.
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Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: February 3, 2027 (Application) | October 4, 2027 (Application) | February 3, 2028 (Application) | October 3, 2028 (Application) | February 6, 2029 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $275,000 in direct costs annually for up to five years; no cost sharing required
Summary: Supports early stage investigators’ independent laboratory research programs within the National Institute of General Medical Sciences mission.
Key Information: Single-investigator applications only; the PD/PI must devote at least 51% of total research effort to MIRA.
Description
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) administers MIRA for Early Stage Investigators through the NIH R35 mechanism. It supports a collection of projects in an investigator’s laboratory rather than a narrowly defined project. The program seeks to launch and sustain independent research careers, increase funding stability, and give investigators flexibility to pursue ambitious questions and emerging techniques within the NIGMS mission.
Supported work includes basic biological research, technology development, computational approaches, and translational and clinical research in designated NIGMS areas. Investigators may pursue multiple topics without a single unifying theme. The program encourages research distinct from postdoctoral mentors’ work and aims to reduce time spent writing applications while increasing time for research and trainee mentoring.
