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

The National Institutes of Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forecasted funding opportunity entitled Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) under opportunity number PAR-26-032. This program is managed by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and continues its flagship initiative aimed at supporting fundamental biomedical research. MIRA has served as a primary mechanism for investigator-initiated support, focusing on enhancing funding stability and reducing administrative burden by consolidating support for an investigator’s research program into a single award. The purpose of the MIRA program is to provide early stage investigators with broad, flexible funding to pursue ambitious research goals aligned with the mission of NIGMS. The program enables recipients to explore innovative projects, increase productivity, and pursue significant scientific advances. By reducing the need for multiple grant applications, MIRA also aims to allow more time for research while broadening the distribution of federal research support among promising new investigators across the United States. The scope of funding includes fundamental biomedical research and research training within the mission of NIGMS. While no specific budget limits are detailed in this forecast, the funding structure emphasizes providing stability over multiple years rather than tying awards to narrow project scopes. The intent is to give recipients the freedom to pursue new directions as their research evolves. There are no explicit restrictions on cost sharing or matching, as the notice states that matching is not required. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations such as state, county, city, and township governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) designation, for-profit organizations including small businesses, and special district governments. Additional eligible entities include U.S. territories, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and faith- and community-based organizations. This broad eligibility ensures that research talent across multiple sectors may apply. The program is currently in forecast stage. The estimated posting date is March 1, 2026, with applications due by October 5, 2026. The estimated award date is July 1, 2027, with funded projects expected to begin on the same date. As this is a forecasted opportunity, specific details such as pre-application requirements, evaluation criteria, and application content requirements are not yet provided. Applicants should monitor the official notice for updated guidelines when the final funding announcement is released. For additional information, applicants may contact the designated program officials. The named contacts are Michelle R. Bond, Ph.D., and Marc Rigas, Ph.D., who may be reached by phone at 301-594-2987 or by email at ESIMIRA@nigms.nih.gov. Interested applicants should remain attentive to Grants.gov updates and NIGMS announcements to confirm details as the forecast transitions into an official funding opportunity announcement.