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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity PAR-27-032

Deadline February 6, 2029 881 days left
Award range Not stated
Total program funding
PostedMay 12, 2026

Who can apply

Refer to the Eligibility section in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign institutions: Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.These types of organizations are not eligible to apply: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions), Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations.

About this opportunity

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.MIRA distributes funding among promising investigators across the country. The goal is to boost scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs.Through this program, investigators can:Receive independent research funding early to start and sustain strong research careers.Explore new, unique research areas in the NIGMS mission.Take on ambitious, creative projects.Shift focus to include emerging techniques and technologies as needed.Devote more time to mentoring trainees in a stable research environment.

Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity

This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 93.859 (“Biomedical Research and Research Training”), a broad federal program that made about 1313 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $562k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.

Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.

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