Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) (R35 – Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers with existing or emerging support from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Eligible applicants include established NIGMS-funded investigators and New Investigators proposing NIGMS-aligned research. Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) must apply through a separate ESI MIRA NOFO, not this one. Current MIRA grantees may submit renewal applications.
U.S.-based institutions and organizations are eligible. Non-domestic entities and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations cannot apply. Foreign subawards and subcontracts are prohibited under this NOFO.
Research must align with NIGMS' scientific mission. The award provides flexible, long-term support to enable investigators to pursue ambitious projects and change research directions as opportunities arise. This mechanism reduces administrative burden and allows more time for mentoring and conducting research.
Program description
The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) provides support for individual investigators for research within the scientific mission of NIGMS via a single grant to achieve the following:Increase the stability of funding for NIGMS-supported investigators, which could enhance their ability to take on ambitious scientific projects and approach problems more creatively;Increase flexibility for investigators to follow important new research directions within the NIGMS mission as opportunities arise, rather than being bound to specific aims proposed in advance of the studies;More widely distribute funding among the nation’s highly talented and promising investigators to increase overall scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs;Reduce the time spent by researchers writing and reviewing grant applications, allowing them to spend more time conducting research;Reduce the administrative burden associated with a PD/PI managing multiple NIGMS research grants; andEnable PD(s)/PI(s) to devote more time and energy to mentoring junior scientists in a more stable research environment.This NOFO invites applications from eligible NIGMS-funded investigators and from New Investigators proposing research that is aligned with NIGMS’ scientific mission. The NOFO also allows renewal applications from all current MIRA grantees (including those previously funded as Early-Stage Investigators). Current Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) should apply through the ESI MIRA NOFO, not this NOFO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NIH Form SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative/Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketch (NIH Form)
- Institutional Biosketches (if applicable)
- Supporting Documents as specified in NOFO (facilities, letters of support, etc.)
- Foreign Component Approval Form (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 NIGMS_EINIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$73,117,112
-
$61,505,969
-
$60,096,875
-
$59,464,779
-
$58,149,324
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,890,714
-
$56,074,483
-
$54,912,096
-
$54,813,472
Top States by Funding
- NY 6 awards $185.5M
- CA 6 awards $184.0M
- DE 5 awards $183.9M
- OK 5 awards $182.7M
- WV 3 awards $150.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for MIRA?
Established NIGMS-funded investigators and New Investigators proposing NIGMS-aligned research are eligible. Early-Stage Investigators must apply through the separate ESI MIRA NOFO. Current MIRA grantees can renew.
Can foreign institutions or collaborators participate?
No. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components cannot be the applicant. Foreign subawards and subcontracts are prohibited as of May 1, 2025.
What is the primary goal of MIRA funding?
MIRA aims to stabilize funding, increase flexibility in research directions, and reduce time spent on grant writing and administration. This allows researchers more time for creative work and mentoring.
What research areas does NIGMS support?
NIGMS funds biomedical research across cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, computational biology, and related disciplines. Review the NIGMS scientific mission for specific focus areas.
Can I apply if I've never received NIGMS funding?
Yes, New Investigators with NIGMS-aligned research are eligible. You don't need prior NIGMS funding to apply as a New Investigator.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate alignment with NIGMS' scientific mission clearly in your proposal. Use NIGMS website to identify your fit within their research priorities.
- Highlight the innovative, ambitious nature of your research program. MIRA is designed to support bold projects that might be too risky under traditional mechanisms.
- Explain how increased stability and flexibility will enhance your research productivity and mentoring capacity. Connect stability directly to your scientific goals.
- If you have prior NIGMS support, show a track record of productivity and successful outcomes. Reviewers will assess your ability to use flexible funding effectively.
- Keep administrative details minimal and focus on the science. MIRA reviewers value researchers who use freedom to advance ambitious questions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research outside the NIGMS scientific mission. ESIs applying to this NOFO instead of the ESI MIRA NOFO. Including foreign subawards or subcontracts, which will render the application noncompliant and unfundable as of May 2025.
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