Major Research Instrumentation Program

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program is designed to increase access to shared scientific and engineering tools for research and training purposes in educational institutions and non-profit research organizations. The program aids the purchase or development of these vital tools from vendors or through development processes. It focuses on advancing instrumentation abilities and strengthening academic expertise in instrument design and fabrication.

Considering that such tools are usually expensive and not catered for by other National Science Foundation (NSF) programs, the MRI awards financial aid to facilitate their acquisition. This strategy promotes advancements in fundamental science and engineering research. The program also champions the development of next-generation research instruments to create new opportunities for advancement in these disciplines.

In addition to its primary focus, the MRI program encourages the training of students to become future users, designers, builders, and innovators of research instruments. Institutions can request up to $4 million from NSF for either acquisition or development of a research instrument.

There are defined 'Tracks' determining how many proposals an institution can submit, with a maximum of two submissions for Track 1, and one each for Track 2 and Track 3.

Track 1 proposals request NSF funds between $100,000 and less than $1,400,000. Track 2 proposals request NSF funds equal to or greater than $1,400,000 up to $4,000,000. Track 3 proposals must be between $100,000 and $4,000,000 and must include the purchase, use, and maintenance of tools to conserve or reduce helium usage.

For a period of 5 years starting from 2023, cost-sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program have been waived, but submission limits per Track still apply.

The program encourages participation from groups, institutions, and regions that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines. Proposals from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and early-career researchers are highly encouraged, as are proposals benefiting these individuals or emerging from geographically underserved regions. Institutions with fewer resources, including emerging research institutions, are especially encouraged to apply as this could significantly bolster their research capacity.

Track 1 proposals that request less than $100,000 from NSF are accepted only from eligible organizations seeking instruments that support research in mathematics, social, behavioral and economic sciences, or from non-Ph.D.-granting higher education institutions supporting any NSF-approved disciplines.