Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) Pilot Awards
The MRPI Pilot Awards fund new, multidisciplinary research collaborations across at least three UC campuses to drive innovative systemwide research and benefit California.
Funder: University of California
Due Dates: March 19, 2026 (LOI, due by 12:00 noon PT) | August 6, 2026 (Full application, due by 12:00 noon PT)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per year for 1–2 years; approximately $5.8M total available for new awards; non-renewable.
Summary: Supports new, collaborative, multidisciplinary research across at least three UC campuses to catalyze innovative systemwide research and benefit California.
Key Information: LOI required; only new multicampus collaborations eligible; highly competitive (9–22% success rate).
Description
The Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) Pilot Awards are designed to spark innovative, collaborative research that spans at least three University of California (UC) campuses. The program’s goal is to foster multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research efforts that go beyond individual PI-driven projects, strengthening the UC’s position as a leading public research university and providing systemwide benefits to research, education, and the state of California. The awards are intended for new and unique collaborations that have not previously received MRPI support, with a strong emphasis on projects that can lead to future extramural funding and have meaningful impact for California.
