Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) (R35 – Clinical Trial Optional)

PAR-26-121: The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) supports research within the scientific mission of NIGMS and allows individual investigators to: (1) enhance their ability to take on ambitious scientific projects and approach problems more creatively with more stable funding, (2) be more flexible in following important new research directions within the NIGMS mission as opportunities arise, rather than being bound to specific aims proposed in advance of the studies, (3) reduce their administrative burden of writing, reviewing, and managing multiple NIGMS grant applications/grants and spend more time conducting research and mentoring junior scientists.

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.

Posted December 11, 2025. Expires May 27, 2028.