NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)
As of July 1, 2025, NSF has cancelled the Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, 2025 submission window. As we gather additional information, please note that we may not be able to move forward with this internal competition. We will update this competition when more information is available.
New Requirement: All applications for this internal competition must be submitted via InfoReady. You can sign in using your Net-ID and your @stonybrook.edu email address. Please allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the portal prior to submitting your pre-application. Pre-application requirements are listed in the announcement below.
The Office for Research and Innovation invites applications to the NSF's Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI). The MRI program serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training. An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument that is commercially available through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel costs and equipment that are required for the development of an instrument with new capabilities, thereby advancing instrumentation capabilities and enhancing expertise for instrument design and fabrication at academic institutions. MRI instruments are, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.
Stony Brook University can submit FOUR applications for the upcoming competition. No more than TWO submissions are permitted in Track 1 (proposals requesting funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,400,000), no more than ONE submission is permitted in Track 2 (proposals requesting funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000), and no more than ONE submission is permitted in Track 3 (proposals greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium). Please note that inclusion as a funded subawardee on a development proposal at a level in excess of 20% of the total budget requested by the prime institution to NSF - or similarly as a funded subawardee, when allowed, on any acquisition proposal - will be counted against an organization’s proposal submission limit. Therefore, if you are part of a collaborative effort led by another institution and Stony Brook University is included as a funded subawardee as mentioned above, you must submit a pre-application for internal review before that proposal can be submitted to the NSF.
Please see below for details. If you are interested in applying, you must submit a pre-application via the MRI Portal in InfoReady by Monday, July 14, 2025 at 9 am. Pre-applications for internal review and selection must be uploaded to the portal as a single PDF document.
WHAT DOES IT FUND: Proposal submissions may be either for acquisition or development of a research instrument. NSF strongly encourages MRI proposals that seek to develop next-generation research instruments that open new frontiers of research.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: No restrictions or limits.
AWARD: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,400,000. Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000. Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium. Please note, cost-sharing requirements are waived for a period of 5 years, beginning with the FY 2023 MRI competition.
SPONSOR DEADLINE: CANCELLED
A complete pre-application should comprise of the following:
-
- Application title, which must include "Track 1", "Track 2" or “Track 3”
- Project Description (no more than 4 pages) that includes:
- A description of the research instrument and why it is needed;
- The research activities that will be enabled by the acquisition or development of the instrument;
- Broader impacts, including the impact on research and training infrastructure; and
- The management plan for maintenance and operation of the instrument. **Please note: reviewers will be looking for a sustainable management plan that will ensure operation of the instrument for at least 5-years**
- Budget and Budget Justification (no more than one page)
- Major/Minor Users (one page per user) which includes their department/institution, a one-paragraph description of each user's involvement, and a list of their relevant research grants.