The Department of Defense (DoD) Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) for Fiscal Year 2026 is a basic research funding opportunity issued jointly by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). This initiative funds university-led research teams pursuing fundamental scientific understanding in areas of strategic importance to the DoD. The MURI program supports high-risk, multidisciplinary efforts aiming for transformative advancements that meet long-term national security needs. Topics are spread across diverse fields including physics, engineering, life sciences, and computer science.
The MURI program offers awards in the form of grants (and cooperative agreements in the case of ARO). The estimated total program funding is $170 million across five years, subject to appropriations. Each award typically supports up to $1.5 million annually, with a maximum of $7.5 million over five years. Specific funding profiles vary depending on the sponsoring agency. Projects are generally supported through a three-year base period and a two-year optional extension. The competition is rigorous, and multiple awards per topic are possible, although not guaranteed.
Only U.S. institutions of higher education with science or engineering degree-granting programs, including DoD institutions, are eligible to apply. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible if they are not designated as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Collaborations with ineligible organizations (e.g., industry or foreign institutions) are allowed but cannot receive MURI funds directly. Proposals must involve multidisciplinary teams with expertise across institutions where necessary, and one Principal Investigator (PI) must lead the project from the primary institution.
A two-stage application process is used. White papers, though optional, are strongly encouraged and due by May 2, 2025, with inquiries accepted through April 18, 2025. Full proposals are due by September 5, 2025, with inquiries accepted through August 22, 2025. Applicants must submit full proposals via Grants.gov, while white papers are submitted to ONR through FedConnect, ARO via email or mail, and AFOSR through a web portal. A project abstract must accompany all proposals and be publicly releasable. All applications must comply with applicable research protections, including policies for human subjects, animal use, biosafety, and export control.
Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to DoD missions, potential for advancing knowledge, qualifications of the team, facilities, collaboration potential, and cost realism. Selected applicants will be notified by January 2026, and awards are anticipated to begin May 1, 2026. Contact details for ONR, ARO, and AFOSR program and business officers are provided for applicant questions. The program emphasizes secure research conduct and compliance with federal policy regarding foreign influence and risk assessments.
