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

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. The goal is to boost scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs. Through this program, investigators can receive independent research funding early, explore new research areas, take on ambitious projects, and devote more time to mentoring trainees. Key aspects of the program include: • Eligibility is limited to NIH-defined Early Stage Investigators (ESIs). • The Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) must devote at least 51% of their total research effort to this award. • Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. local time on the specified due dates. • The award provides up to five years of funding, with a maximum budget of $275,000 in direct costs per year. Some of the key features of this grant opportunity include: • Research within the mission of NIGMS, including programs that focus on technology development and computational approaches. • Research that involves human subjects, including clinical research and mechanistic NIH-defined clinical trials. • Foreign components are allowed, but they must not require NIH funding. The program does not allow: • Support for domestic or foreign subawards. • Clinical trials designed to test safety and efficacy of interventions. • Studies that propose clinical dissemination and implementation research, comparative effectiveness research, or pragmatic clinical trials. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, application instructions, and program requirements before submitting their application.