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

Agency: National Institutes of Health

Assistance Listings: 93.859 -- Biomedical Research and Research Training

Last Updated: May 13, 2026
The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) provides support for ESIs with a program of research that aligns with the NIGMS mission.MIRA distributes funding among promising investigators across the country. The goal is to boost scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs.Through this program, investigators can:Receive independent research funding early to start and sustain strong research careers.Explore new, unique research areas in the NIGMS mission.Take on ambitious, creative projects.Shift focus to include emerging techniques and technologies as needed.Devote more time to mentoring trainees in a stable research environment.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Government

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

Business

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

Education

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

Nonprofit

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

Miscellaneous

  • Other

Additional information

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.

Grantor contact information

Description

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) NIGMS-ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov

Email

NIGMS-ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov

NIGMS-ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov

Documents

File nameDescriptionLast updated
PAR-27-032-Full-Announcement.pdf
PDF for publication (This is version par-27-032-rev7 with standard file name convention for NIH NOFOs).
May 12, 2026 01:25 PM UTC

Link to additional information

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Closing: February 6, 2029

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$--

Program Funding

--

Expected awards

$--

Award Minimum

$--

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

PAR-27-032

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

No

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

--

Category of Funding Activity:

Health

Category Explanation:

--

History

Version:

1

Posted date:

May 12, 2026

Archive date:

April 7, 2029

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