Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
ID: 358533Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Air Force Office of Scientific Research (DOD-AFOSR)

Award Range

$0 - $15M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Additional Information

AFOSR Funding Opportunities
Timeline
    Description

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) to support innovative research proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education. This initiative aims to fund multidisciplinary projects that address significant scientific challenges relevant to the Department of Defense, with a total funding pool of approximately $170 million over five years and individual awards expected to reach up to $1.5 million annually. Eligible applicants include universities with degree-granting programs in science and engineering, while collaborations with ineligible organizations are permitted but they cannot receive MURI funds directly. Interested parties must submit a preliminary white paper by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025; for further inquiries, contact Katie Wisecarver at Katie.wisecarver@us.af.mil or by phone at 703-696-9544.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the Privacy Act Statement for the Air Force Research Laboratory, detailing the legal authorities governing information collection related to federal grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. It explains that the information collected will be used for processing and maintaining records pertinent to these agreements, ensuring they are awarded to responsible parties. The routine uses of the information are specified, including sharing with various entities to fulfill agency functions and compliance with law enforcement when legal violations are indicated. It emphasizes that while providing information is voluntary, non-compliance may result in severe consequences, including application rejection. Finally, the document requires acknowledgment of consent from involved individuals and their institutions, reinforcing the significance of accurate disclosure in federal research funding processes. This statement serves as a framework for maintaining accountability and compliance in awarding federal research funding.
    The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) seeks to fund innovative research proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education. The initiative, supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), is focused on multidisciplinary projects that address significant scientific challenges relevant to the Department of Defense. Applicants must submit a preliminary white paper by May 2, 2025, with full proposals due by September 5, 2025. The total funding available is approximately $170 million over five years, with individual awards expected to reach up to $1.5 million annually. Eligible participants include universities and not Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Academic collaborations are encouraged, and white papers are strongly recommended to facilitate proposal assessment. Proposals must adhere to specific guidelines regarding funding restrictions, research focus, and administrative requirements. The program emphasizes high-risk basic research with potential transformative impact on military technology and capabilities. Overall, MURI aims to foster collaborative research that contributes to national security and technological advancements.
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