NIGMS Director Highlights Key Updates to MIRA Mechanisms and Trainee Resources

By: Yvette Seger
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
As part of his director’s report during the September 18 convening of the National Advisory General Medical Science Council, Jon Lorsch, PhD, Director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), highlighted several key policy updates for individuals supported by the institute.

For Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) seeking funding through the Maximizing Investigators Research Award (MIRA or R35) grant mechanism, Lorsch reiterated an update published in June announcing an increase in the maximum budget that can be requested for applicants to MIRA for Early Stage Investigators (PAR-23-145) from $250,000 annual direct costs to $275,000 annual direct costs. More recently, NIGMS issued a Notice informing investigators of a reduction in the minimum required research effort for Established and New Investigators supported by MIRA from 51 percent to 45 percent, effective October 1, 2024. Both of these changes were implemented to address recurring concerns from the research community.

Lorsch reiterated the availability of resources to support professional development of trainees and early-career researchers. To help early-career researchers identify appropriate mentored research career development opportunities most appropriate for their professional goals, NIGMS launched a Web-based decision tree. Similarly, an online trainee feedback form launched in July provides a mechanism for NIGMS-supported trainees to provide anonymous feedback – positive and negative – about the research education, training, and career development opportunities at their institutions.