The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) supports individual researchers through a single NIGMS grant designed to promote stability, flexibility, and productivity in biomedical research. The program enables investigators to pursue ambitious and innovative projects, adapt to emerging scientific opportunities within the NIGMS mission, and reduce time spent on grant writing and administration. By distributing funding more broadly among talented investigators, MIRA aims to increase overall scientific impact and breakthrough potential. The award also fosters a more stable research environment, allowing principal investigators to focus more on discovery and mentoring junior scientists.