Opportunity

Award Info:

Applications may request up to $250,000 direct costs per year. Investigators are encouraged to request what is actually well justified for their research program. Budget categories should not include inflationary escalation for recurring costs in out-years. Cost efficiency is one of the goals of the principles of NIGMS stewardship of public funds and will be one of the considerations in funding decisions.

The investigator is required to devote at least 51% of his/her time available for research to this award.

Deadlines are October 3 and February 1 each year.

Description:

The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) under this FOA is a grant to provide support for the program of research in an early stage investigator's laboratory that falls within the mission of NIGMS. For the purpose of this FOA, a program of research is the collection of projects in the investigator's lab that are relevant to the mission of NIGMS. The goal of MIRA is to increase the efficiency and efficacy of NIGMS funding. It is anticipated that this mechanism will:

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 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.

Enable investigators to devote more time and energy to mentoring trainees in a more stable research environment.