Major Research Instrumentation Program: (MRI)

Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation

47.083 -- Integrative Activities
47.075 -- Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
47.049 -- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
47.070 -- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
47.079 -- Office of International Science and Engineering
47.078 -- Polar Programs
47.084 -- NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
47.076 -- STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources)
47.041 -- Engineering
47.074 -- Biological Sciences
47.050 -- Geosciences

Open opportunityLast Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Description

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program (MRI Website) increases access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and training in the operation of the proposed equipment. An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel and components required to develop an instrument with new capabilities that opens new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. MRI instruments are generally too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.

MRI encourages proposals from early-career researchers, from all geographic regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions, and from emerging research institutions, where MRI can significantly build capacity for research. The program especially welcomes proposals for instruments that will advance discovery in one or more national R&D priority areas, including capability for scientifically justified integration with SI-enabled workflows.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

Other

Additional information

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131.

Grantor contact information

Description

NSF grants.gov support grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Email

If you have any problems linking to this funding announcement, please contact the email address above.

grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Documents

No documents are currently available.

Link to additional information

NSF Publication 27-500

Closing: January 29, 2027

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$50,000,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$100,000

Award Minimum

$4,000,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

27-500

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Science technology and other research and development

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

November 6, 2026

Archive date:

December 19, 2027