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Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
R&D / Tech · National Institutes of Health · Nationwide
The MIRA for Early Stage Investigators is a federal research grant from the National Institutes of Health's NIGMS that supports early-career researchers with funding for an overall research program, open to eligible U.S. institutions with a deadline of February 6, 2029.
The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) is a federal grant program funded by the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). This program provides research funding to early stage investigators whose work aligns with the NIGMS mission.
Rather than funding individual projects, MIRA supports a researcher's overall program of research, giving early stage investigators more flexibility and stability. According to the program summary, funded investigators can receive independent research funding early in their careers, explore new research areas within the NIGMS mission, take on ambitious or creative projects, adjust their focus to include emerging techniques and technologies, and dedicate more time to mentoring trainees within a stable research environment.
This grant is relevant to small-business owners or entrepreneurs primarily if they are affiliated with an eligible research institution and qualify as an early stage investigator conducting biomedical or related research. It is not a general small-business grant but rather a research-career support award administered through Grants.gov.
The funding instrument is a grant, meaning funds generally do not need to be repaid, though specific terms should be confirmed in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The listed deadline is February 6, 2029. Eligible applicants are located across all U.S. states, but foreign institutions and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. Applicants should review the full NOFO on Grants.gov for complete eligibility, award amount, and application details before applying, as specific award floor, ceiling, and amount figures were not provided in the available data.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, funded through the NIH's Maximizing Investigators' Research Award program.
Do I have to repay the funding?
Grants generally do not require repayment, but specific terms should be confirmed in the official NOFO.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility details are outlined in the NOFO; foreign institutions and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
Can foreign institutions apply?
No, non-domestic entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
How much funding can I receive?
Specific award floor, ceiling, or amount figures were not provided in the available data; confirm at the official source.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline listed is February 6, 2029, at 12:00 AM EST.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Grants.gov listing at https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360593.
Who sponsors this award?
The National Institutes of Health, through NIGMS, sponsors this award.
Is this available in all states?
Yes, it is open to eligible applicants across all U.S. states.
What does this funding support?
It supports a program of research for early stage investigators aligned with the NIGMS mission, rather than a single project.
Is the award taxable?
This information was not provided; confirm at the official source.
What type of research does this support?
Research areas within the NIGMS mission, including new, creative, and emerging technique-based projects.
Can this funding be used for mentoring activities?
Yes, the program summary notes it allows investigators to devote more time to mentoring trainees.
Opportunity number: PAR-27-032. Source: grants.gov. GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with National Institutes of Health; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.