Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Department of War (DoW) Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
This grant funds high-risk, groundbreaking basic research by university teams, aiming for major scientific and technological advances with military and societal impact.
Funder: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Due Dates: November 6, 2026 (White paper questions) | November 20, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern (Optional white papers) | March 12, 2027 (Proposal submission questions) | April 9, 2027, 5:00 PM Eastern (Full proposals)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7.5 million over five years; typical annual funding up to $1.5 million; approximately $170 million total
Summary: Supports multidisciplinary U.S. university teams conducting high-risk basic research addressing future Department of War challenges.
Key Information: Only eligible U.S. universities and qualifying university-affiliated research centers may submit proposals or receive MURI funds.
Description
The Department of War’s Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) supports high-impact basic research in science and engineering at U.S. universities. Sponsored by the Army Research Office (ARO), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), it focuses on complex, defense-relevant problems where multiple scientific disciplines interact to advance fundamental understanding.
MURI seeks high-risk research that attempts to understand or achieve something not previously accomplished, rather than develop specific products or prototypes. Teams bring together faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, supporting a technically advanced, defense-aware scientific workforce. Service Program Officers actively guide the research. This Army announcement covers ARO submissions within the broader FY 2027 competition.
