Major Research Instrumentation Program

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a competitive grant program designed to expand access to state-of-the-art research instrumentation in the United States. As part of NSF's mission to advance scientific progress, the MRI Program provides funding to institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific research organizations. This grant opportunity specifically supports either the acquisition or the development of shared-use research instruments that are vital to conducting advanced research and research training across a variety of science and engineering disciplines. The program supports three distinct tracks: Track 1 funds proposals requesting more than $100,000 and less than $1,400,000; Track 2 supports requests from $1,400,000 up to $4,000,000; and Track 3 is dedicated to proposals addressing helium conservation through acquisition or development of instrumentation, also up to $4,000,000. Notably, cost-sharing requirements under the America COMPETES Act are waived through FY2027, eliminating mandatory matching contributions. Institutions may submit up to four proposals per year under these limits—two in Track 1, one in Track 2, and one in Track 3. The MRI Program's objectives are to improve the nation's research infrastructure by enabling the purchase or development of critical scientific instruments. These instruments may be acquired directly from vendors or developed through dedicated in-house efforts, which must involve substantial engineering and innovation. The program strongly encourages proposals that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), particularly from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and researchers in EPSCoR jurisdictions or at emerging research institutions. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov and follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). All proposals must include detailed project descriptions, management plans, and institutional letters of commitment for operations and maintenance. For acquisition proposals, at least 70% of the total project cost must be for equipment. Proposals including helium-reducing instrumentation must also detail helium consumption, cost, and savings projections. Each proposal requires institutional classification documentation and, if applicable, documentation from consortium partners or private sector collaborators. Applications are accepted during scheduled submission windows, with the upcoming open period running from October 15, 2024, through November 15, 2024. Future recurring windows include October 15 to November 16, 2026. The previously announced window for 2025 was canceled. This recurring schedule facilitates better proposal planning and submission workflows. Review criteria focus on intellectual merit, broader impacts, need and usage for the instrument, operational readiness, and the potential for transformative research. For additional information or technical assistance, applicants can contact Randy L. Phelps (703-292-5049, mri@nsf.gov) or Jonathan Friedman (703-292-7475, mri@nsf.gov). Directorates across NSF—ranging from Engineering to Social Sciences—also have subject-matter experts available for inquiries. Full details, including supplementary documentation and proposal templates, are available on the MRI Program’s website. Proposers are encouraged to review all solicitation requirements carefully to ensure compliance and improve their chance of success.

Submit early and follow formatting requirements. Address both intellectual merit and broader impacts. Include clear technical and DEIA plans.