Major Research Instrumentation Program
The MRI Program funds acquisition or development of high-cost research instruments for academic and nonprofit institutions, prioritizing underrepresented groups and regions in science and engineering.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: October 15, 2024 (submission window opens) | November 15, 2024 (submission window closes) | October 15, 2026 (submission window opens) | November 16, 2026 (submission window closes)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000,000 per award; typical total program funding is approximately $75 million annually; project durations: 36 months (acquisition) or up to 60 months (development).
Summary: Supports the acquisition or development of major multi-user research instrumentation at U.S. institutions to advance science and engineering research and research training.
Key Information: Each institution may submit up to four proposals per cycle across three tracks; cost sharing is waived through FY2027.
Description
The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program increases access to shared-use scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training in U.S. institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. MRI funding supports either the acquisition of major multi-user research instruments or the personnel and equipment costs necessary for the development of new instruments with advanced capabilities. The program aims to enable advances in fundamental science and engineering research that would not otherwise be possible, while also providing hands-on research training for students and broadening participation in STEM.
MRI proposals may be submitted in three tracks:
- Track 1: Acquisition or development requests between $100,000 and less than $1,400,000.
- Track 2: Acquisition or development requests from $1,400,000 up to $4,000,000.
- Track 3: Requests between $100,000 and $4,000,000 for equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium.
Institutions may submit up to two Track 1 proposals, one Track 2 proposal, and one Track 3 proposal per competition. The program encourages proposals from underrepresented groups, early-career PIs, and institutions in underserved regions.
