Limited Submission Funding Opportunity: NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program
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OBJECTIVES:
The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training in our Nation’s institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.
MRI provides support to acquire critical research instrumentation without which advances in fundamental science and engineering research may not otherwise occur. MRI also provides support to develop next-generation research instruments that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected to enhance the research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument users, designers, and builders.
An MRI proposal may request up to $4 million for either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Each performing organization may submit in revised “Tracks” as defined below, with no more than two (2) submissions in Track 1 and no more than one (1) submission in Track 2. For the newly defined Track 3, no more than one (1) submission per competition is permitted. As a result, it is now possible for an institution to submit up to four MRI proposals within the Track limits as described above.
- Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,000,000.
- Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,000,000 up to and including $4,000,000.
- Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $4,000,000 for requests that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to reduce the consumption of helium.
Cost-sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program are waived for a period of 5 years beginning with the FY2023 MRI competition. Institutional submission limits for Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3 proposals remain.
FUNDING INFORMATION:
Up to $4,000,000. See notes above. When required, cost-sharing must be precisely 30%. Cost sharing is required for Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education and for non-degree-granting organizations.
ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS:
The MRI Program especially seeks a broad representation of PIs in its award portfolio, including women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. Since demographic diversity may be greater among early-career researchers the MRI program also encourages proposals with early-career PIs and proposals that benefit early-career researchers.
INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:
Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by DATE: 8/23/2023
- Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application
- A brief (two-page) statement by the candidate describing the proposed instrumentation, the need for the instrumentation, the potential impact of the instrumentation, and a description of the proposed development process for the instrumentation if applicable (please include a clear indication of which funding track the proposal targets in this statement);
- A proposed cost share plan for the instrumentation if applicable;
- A brief proposed management plan for the instrumentation (one-page) including the proposed location for the instrument and how the instrument will be supported;
- Up-to-date CV or Biosketch for all team members on the proposal.
A faculty committee drawn from both campuses will review internal proposals and select nominees.
DEADLINES:
- Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
- Sponsor Deadline: Wednesday, November 15, 2023