Funder: Office of Naval Research
Due Dates: November 6, 2026 (Eligibility and technical questions) | November 20, 2026 (Optional white papers) | March 12, 2027 (Submission questions) | April 9, 2027 (Full proposals)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7.5 million over five years; typical annual funding up to $1.5 million
Summary: Supports multidisciplinary U.S. university teams conducting high-impact 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 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) supports high-risk basic research in science and engineering addressing complex problems relevant to the Department of War (DoW). Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), the program funds university teams whose work crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries to advance fundamental understanding.
Established in 1985, MURI brings together faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to pursue scientific breakthroughs, develop a technically advanced, defense-aware workforce, and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. The FY 2027 competition covers 16 research topics across the three sponsoring offices. Proposals must address basic research rather than applied research, prototype development, or advanced technology development.
