Limited Submission Opportunity: NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program 2024
URL: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/major-research-instrumentation-program-mri
OBJECTIVE:
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 of a multi-user research instrument that is commercially available through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel costs and equipment that are required for the development of an instrument with new capabilities, thereby advancing instrumentation capabilities and enhancing expertise for instrument design and fabrication at academic institutions. MRI instruments are, 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 obtain next-generation research instruments by developing instruments with new capabilities that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected to enhance research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument users, designers and builders.
FUNDING INFORMATION:
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”. BU may select up to 4 MRI proposals based on the Track as defined below:
- Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,400,000 – up to 2 submissions
- Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000 – up to 1 submission
- 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 consumption of helium – up to 1 submission
Cost sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program are waived for a period of 5 years beginning with the FY 2023 MRI competition. 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:
There are no restrictions or limits on who may serve as a PI for a proposed project.
The MRI Program especially seeks broad representation of groups, institutions, and geographic regions that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines. Proposals from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities and early-career PIs are encouraged, as are proposals that benefit early-career researchers and proposals with PIs from geographically under-served regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions.
INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:
Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 9/13/2024
- Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application
- 2-page statement 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)
- 1-page cost share plan for the instrumentation, if applicable
- 1-page management plan for the instrumentation, 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: Friday, September 13, 2024 by 11:59 pm EDT
Sponsor Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 by 5:00 pm EDT