Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)

The Department of Defense (DoD) Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) for Fiscal Year 2026 is a longstanding federal initiative aimed at advancing fundamental scientific knowledge through collaborative, multidisciplinary research. Managed jointly by three principal DoD research offices—the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)—this program represents a major investment in foundational research areas critical to national security and future military innovation. The initiative seeks to promote cutting-edge discoveries by supporting integrated teams of university investigators, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration that aligns with DoD interests. The MURI program targets high-risk basic research that attempts to understand or achieve outcomes never before realized. Since its establishment in 1985, MURI has played a pivotal role in producing scientific breakthroughs with far-reaching impacts on both military technologies and the broader scientific community. The program prioritizes sustained collaboration between research teams and service program officers, enabling active research guidance and close management of funded projects. This funding opportunity will distribute up to $170 million over five years, contingent on the availability of future appropriations. Typical annual funding per grant is up to $1.5 million, with a potential five-year total of $7.5 million. Awards will be granted in the form of assistance agreements—grants or cooperative agreements depending on the agency. ARO may issue cooperative agreements where substantial federal involvement is anticipated. Proposals must align with one of 22 specified research topics listed under AFOSR, ARO, or ONR. Researchers are encouraged to contact the Research Topic Chief listed for each topic in Section I.1 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for guidance. The program is open exclusively to U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science or engineering, including DoD institutions. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply only if not designated as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). While industry and other organizations may collaborate, they are not eligible to receive MURI funds. Each proposal must be led by a single principal investigator affiliated with the primary institution and should document the roles and responsibilities of all participating institutions and researchers. Cost sharing is not required, and while voluntary matching may be included, it will not influence the merit review. The MURI program has a two-stage submission process: white papers followed by full proposals. White papers are strongly recommended and must be submitted via FedConnect for ONR topics and Grants.gov for AFOSR and ARO topics. The white paper deadline is May 2, 2025, and proposals must be submitted by September 5, 2025. White paper inquiries are due by April 18, 2025, and proposal-related inquiries must be received by August 22, 2025. Applicants will be notified of initial evaluations of white papers by June 13, 2025, and selections for award are expected to be announced in January 2026. Grants will begin on May 1, 2026. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov and validated by the platform by the deadline. It is advised that applicants submit at least two business days in advance. Evaluation criteria for proposals include scientific merit, advancement of fundamental knowledge, DoD relevance, qualifications of the investigative team, facility adequacy, collaboration potential, and cost reasonableness. Security reviews will be conducted to assess risk related to foreign influence, particularly concerning affiliations with countries of concern. Additional documentation may be required if research involves human subjects, animals, recombinant DNA, or poses dual-use research concerns. Contacts for technical and business questions are provided in Section A.9 of the NOFO. For ONR, questions should be directed to Dr. Amanda Netburn; for ARO, to Dr. Sue Kase; and for AFOSR, to Ms. Katie Wisecarver. Business contacts vary by agency.

Submit at least 2 business days early to allow Grants.gov validation. White papers strongly encouraged for feedback.