Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional)
About
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 NO.
The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional) is a prestigious grant program administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) designed to support individual research investigators conducting work aligned with NIGMS's scientific mission. This award is specifically structured to provide enhanced stability and flexibility for established NIGMS-funded investigators and New Investigators pursuing innovative research. MIRA funding enables researchers to pursue ambitious scientific projects and adapt their research directions as new opportunities emerge, rather than being constrained by predetermined specific aims. The program aims to reduce administrative burden by consolidating multiple grants into a single award, allowing investigators to dedicate more time to actual research and mentoring activities. By distributing funding more widely among talented and promising investigators nationwide, MIRA fosters scientific productivity and increases the likelihood of significant breakthroughs. Researchers benefit from increased flexibility to follow emerging research directions within the NIGMS mission while minimizing time spent on grant writing and administrative management. This award is ideal for investigators seeking to establish a more stable research program with greater creative freedom and enhanced capacity to mentor junior scientists in a well-supported research environment.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 26, 2028
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding cycle - consult official NOFO
Deadline
2028-05-26
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual with rolling deadlines; next deadline May 26, 2028
Best For
Individual research investigators with NIGMS-funded projects, New Investigators in NIGMS mission areas, and established grantees seeking research stability and flexibility
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/Foreign CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.NIH will no
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
MIRA is available to eligible NIGMS-funded investigators, New Investigators proposing NIGMS-aligned research, and renewal applicants from current MIRA grantees. Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) should apply through the ESI MIRA notice. Applicants must be affiliated with domestic U.S. organizations; non-domestic entities and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, though foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are permitted. For complete eligibility requirements, refer to Section III of the official NOFO.
How much funding does Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary and are not listed in the available information. Visit the official NIGMS MIRA NOFO on the NIH Grants & Funding website for current funding ranges and budget details specific to the funding cycle you're applying to.
How do I apply for Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications must be submitted through the NIH electronic submission system (eRA Commons/grants.nih.gov). You will need to prepare a research proposal aligned with NIGMS's scientific mission, include institutional commitment letters, and provide information about your research team. The application deadline is May 26, 2028. For detailed instructions, submission requirements, and formatting guidelines, consult the official NOFO on the NIH Grants & Funding website.
What can Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
MIRA funding supports research within the scientific mission of NIGMS conducted by the principal investigator(s). The award provides flexibility to pursue research directions and adapt as new opportunities emerge. As indicated by the 'Clinical Trial Optional' designation, research may include clinical trials depending on the scientific approach. Funds support research activities, personnel, equipment, and other costs necessary to conduct the proposed research program. Review the NOFO for detailed information on allowable uses and budget categories.
Last updated: July 5, 2026