NIGMS intends to continue its flagship Maximizing Investigators' Research Awards (MIRA) program for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs). Over the past decade, MIRA has become the primary approach through which NIGMS supports fundamental, investigator-initiated research. MIRA provides support for research in an investigator's laboratory that falls within the mission of NIGMS through a single grant award.  It provides investigators with greater funding stability and scientific flexibility, enabling researchers to take on more ambitious and innovative studies, enhancing scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs. It also reduces administrative burden by combining all NIGMS research support for a PI into a single award. The program is structured to distribute funds widely among the nation's highly talented and promising early career investigators.  

Government

• Special district governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities

Nonprofit

• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)

Miscellaneous

• Other

Education

• Independent school districts
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and state institutions of higher education

Business

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses