Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
Updated
Grant from the National Institutes of Health, open to small businesses. Closes Feb 6, 2029, 840 days left.
| Opportunity number | PAR-27-032 |
|---|---|
| Agency | National Institutes of Health |
| Funding type | Grant |
| Field | Health |
| Cost sharing or matching | Not required |
| Assistance listing | 93.859 |
| Posted | May 12, 2026 |
| Closes | Feb 6, 2029 (840 days left) |
| Add the deadline to | Google Calendar |
Who can apply
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see the eligibility notes)
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.
Description
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.
Full announcement and how to apply on Grants.gov
Health grants right now
There are 350 open federal grants in health that small businesses may apply for; 33 close within 30 days. The median award ceiling is $500,000. The agencies offering the most are National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA and Centers for Disease Control - NCBDDD. Grants in this field stay open a median of 1031 days; this one is open for 1001 days.
Who has won this program before
- West Virginia University Research Corporation $77.1 million · from Aug 15, 2012
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center $65.3 million · from Aug 15, 2012
- University Of Oklahoma $64.1 million · from Sep 1, 2013
- University Of Delaware $62.9 million · from Sep 30, 2001
- University Of Alaska Fairbanks $61.8 million · from Sep 24, 2001
The largest grants and cooperative agreements under assistance listing 93.859 with funding activity since Oct 1, 2025, from USAspending.gov. Amounts are each award's total.
Other open grants in the same program
Under assistance listing 93.859, the federal program this grant is paid from.
More open grants from the National Institutes of Health
340 open grants from this agency accept small businesses, with $356.4 million in total program funding listed.