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Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation. The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program supports the acquisition or development of multi-user scientific and engineering instruments for research and training. The program encourages proposals from early-career researchers and institutions that can significantly build research capacity.
Proposals for instruments that advance national R&D priority areas are especially welcome. MRI also accepts requests for equipment to reduce helium consumption. The program aims to increase access to state-of-the-art instrumentation that is often too costly or specialized for other NSF programs.
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Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) Important information for proposers and award recipients All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and its supplements .
All NSF grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the applicable set of NSF award terms and conditions . NSF has updated its research security policies for NSF funded projects. Instrument Acquisition or Development The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program ( MRI Website ) increases access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and training in the operation of the proposed equipment.
An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel and components required to develop an instrument with new capabilities that opens new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. MRI instruments are generally too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.
MRI encourages proposals from early-career researchers, from all geographic regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions , and from emerging research institutions, where MRI can significantly build capacity for research. The program especially welcomes proposals for instruments that will advance discovery in one or more national R&D priority areas , including capability for scientifically justified integration with SI-enabled workflows.
Updates and announcements NSF Major Research Instrumentation funding announcement NSF Major Research Instrumentation presentation slides for FY 2026 Additional MRI Program Contacts For up-to-date contacts, see the MRI webpage at https://www. nsf.
gov/funding/opportunities/mri-major-research-instrumentation-program General information for the MRI Program is available as follows: Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) Major Research Instrumentation Program National Science Foundation Randolph Building, 401 Dulany Street, October 4, 2024 - MRI Town Hall Webinars - October 3rd and 4th October 3, 2024 - MRI Town Hall Webinars - October 3rd and 4th September 15, 2023 - Major Research Instrumentation Virtual Town Halls September 14, 2023 - Major Research Instrumentation Virtual Town Halls July 12, 2023 - MCB Virtual Office Hour: Major Research Instrumentation Program… June 20, 2023 - Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) Virtual Office Hours December 8, 2022 - MRI 2023 Solicitation Virtual Townhall Meeting December 7, 2022 - MRI 2023 Solicitation Virtual Townhall Meeting July 19, 2022 - DBI Virtual Office Hour: Instrumentation Additional program resources Awards made through this program Browse projects funded by this program Map of recent awards made through this program Office of the Director (OD) Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) Integrative Activities (OIA/IA) Office of International Science and Engineering (OD/OISE) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $100,000 - $4,000,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) are due January 29, 2027. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) is funded by U.S. National Science Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Alaska. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
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