Major Research Instrumentation Program

The Major Research Instrumentation Program is administered by the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that supports research and education across science and engineering disciplines in the United States. The program is designed to strengthen the nation’s research infrastructure by increasing access to shared-use, multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation. Through this initiative, the agency aims to advance fundamental research capabilities, enhance training opportunities for students, and expand institutional capacity, particularly at under-resourced and emerging research institutions. The primary purpose of the program is to fund the acquisition or development of sophisticated research instruments that are too costly or otherwise unsuitable for support through other funding mechanisms. Awards support either the purchase of commercially available instruments or the development of new instruments with advanced capabilities. These instruments are expected to serve multiple users and enable research and training that would not otherwise be possible. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary use, broad access, and the advancement of cutting-edge scientific inquiry. Funding requests may range from $100,000 up to $4,000,000, depending on the project track. Track 1 supports requests between $100,000 and less than $1.4 million, while Track 2 supports requests from $1.4 million up to $4 million. A third track supports projects that focus on reducing helium consumption through equipment acquisition or development. Cost sharing requirements have been waived for a defined period beginning with the 2023 competition, and voluntary cost sharing is not permitted. Funding may cover equipment, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and personnel directly related to operating or developing the instrument, but does not support general-purpose infrastructure or research activities conducted after acquisition. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, both Ph.D.-granting and non-Ph.D.-granting, as well as non-profit research organizations such as museums, observatories, and laboratories with 501(c)(3) status. Proposals may also be submitted by consortia of eligible organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as subaward partners in instrument development projects. The program encourages participation from underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and institutions in underserved regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Required components include a detailed project description outlining the research enabled, technical specifications of the instrument, management and operations plans, budget justification, and supplementary documentation such as institutional certifications and vendor quotes. Proposals are evaluated based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, including their potential to advance knowledge, improve research infrastructure, and broaden participation in STEM fields. The program operates on defined submission windows rather than a single deadline. For the current cycle, proposals are accepted between October 15, 2026 and November 16, 2026. Proposals are reviewed through a competitive merit review process involving external experts and NSF program officers. Award decisions are typically communicated within approximately six months after submission, and funded projects generally have performance periods of up to 36 months for acquisition projects and up to 60 months for development projects. The MRI program is recurring and typically offered annually with updated solicitation guidance. Institutions are subject to submission limits per cycle based on track categories. The program provides critical infrastructure support that enables transformative research and workforce development, aligning with national priorities in science, technology, and innovation.

Emphasize multi-user impact, strong management plan, and alignment with intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria