Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program NSF 23-519
Sponsor: NSFInternal Deadline: 08/01/2025Institutional Submission Limit: 4Sponsor Deadline: 11/15/2025Program Website
The NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training. 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.
Funds can be used for 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.
Submissions are based on the dollar value of the amount requested from NSF:
• Track 1: for proposals requesting $100,000 to less than $1.4 million
• Track 2: for proposals ranging from $1.4 million to $4 million
• Track 3: Helium-reduction only: the acquisition, development, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to reduce consumption of helium. Fund requests for Track 3 can range from $100,000 to $4,000,000. **Carefully review the track 3 FAQ to determine eligibility/applicability
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.
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.
The NSF window for applications to the MRI program is October 15, 2025 - November 15, 2025.
Submission Process
Limited submissions MUST be coordinated with the Office of the Vice President for Research.
If interested in applying for this opportunity, please combine the following items into a single PDF and email to resdev@mailbox.sc.edu by 5pm on the INTERNAL DEADLINE above:
- Cover page with grant program name and number, your project title as described in the guidelines including the submission track (1, 2, or 3), the approximate amount you will request from NSF (either below $1M or between $1M - $4M), PI (name, department/unit, & email), and list of co-PIs/key collaborators (name & department/unit)
- Two-page project abstract including
- the significance and impact as well as how broadly the proposed equipment/instrument will be used in the USC community
- brief information about the management plan and proposed outreach and educational activities.
- brief summary of anticipated/tentative budget needs