The NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) released the below notice “To Reduce the Required Effort Level for Program Directors/Principal Investigators in PAR-22-180, Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) (R35 – Clinical Trial Optional)”

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-GM-24-054.html

Purpose

• The purpose of this Notice is to inform investigators of the reduction in the minimum required research effort level for the Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) for Established and New Investigators (EI/NIs) effective October 1, 2024.

• Current PDs/PIs funded through PAR-22-180 or earlier versions of this MIRA NOFO must devote at least 45% of their total research effort to the MIRA through the remainder of the grant project period. No prior approval is required for an effort reduction as long as it does not exceed the prior approval threshold for a change in status of the PD/PI (see NIH Grants Policy Statement, Section 8.1.2.6).

• New or renewal applications submitted to PAR-22-180 must state a MIRA PD/PI effort level of at least 45% of their total research effort commitment.  For PDs/PIs who have already submitted applications to PAR-22-180 prior to October 1, 2024, but have not yet received a funding decision, no further action is necessary.  If the application is funded, the PD/PI must devote at least 45% of their total research effort to the MIRA.

• It is important to note that this reduction in minimum required research effort does not apply to investigators whose MIRA was funded through PAR-23-145, the MIRA for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) NOFO or earlier versions of the MIRA for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) NOFO.

The following sections of PAR-22-180 have been modified accordingly.