FY25 Minerva Research Initiative University Research Program
ID: 356694Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Washington Headquarters Services (DOD-WHS)

Award Range

$1M - $30M

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

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356694
Timeline
    Description

    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering the FY25 Minerva Research Initiative University Research Program, a federal grant aimed at supporting innovative basic research in social sciences related to national security. The initiative seeks to enhance the Department of Defense's understanding of social, cultural, behavioral, and political dynamics that influence global regions of strategic importance, encouraging collaborations among universities and research institutions. Grants will range from $1 million to $30 million, with an expected 15 awards, and proposals must be submitted by February 28, 2025, following an initial white paper submission due by November 29, 2024. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    H08.pdf
    The Department of Defense's Minerva Research Initiative seeks to support basic research that enhances understanding of social science in the context of national security. The initiative invites submissions through a two-stage process: first, white papers due by November 29, 2024, and then full proposals by February 28, 2025. The funding opportunity covers six key research topics, including societal cohesion and conflict, influence measurements, and the societal impacts of technological change. Grants of up to $1 million per year for a maximum of 15 successful proposals are anticipated, totaling up to $30 million. The initiative encourages collaborations among universities and relevant institutions while emphasizing original, transformative research to build the Department's intellectual capacity. Eligible applicants include universities, non-profit institutions, and certain other research entities. Each proposal must align with the research priorities established by the Defense Department, aiming to foster innovative solutions to defense-related behavioral and social questions. Overall, the Minerva Research Initiative aspires to bridge the gap between the Department of Defense and the social science community, ultimately contributing to informed policy and strategy.
    Similar Opportunities
    Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
    Air Force Office of Scientific Research
    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is offering a grant opportunity through the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI). This initiative aims to fund innovative, multidisciplinary research proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education that address significant scientific challenges relevant to the Department of Defense. The program emphasizes high-risk basic research with the potential for transformative impacts on military technology and capabilities, encouraging academic collaborations while excluding Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) from direct funding. The total funding available is approximately $170 million over five years, with individual awards expected to reach up to $1.5 million annually. Interested applicants 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 call 703-696-9544.
    Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research is offering a funding opportunity through the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI), aimed at supporting high-risk basic research in science and engineering at U.S. universities. This initiative encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex defense-related challenges, with a total funding of approximately $170 million over five years, and grants typically reaching up to $1.5 million annually. The program has a significant history of fostering scientific breakthroughs that contribute to national security and economic growth. Interested U.S. institutions of higher education must submit white papers by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025; for further inquiries, contact Veronica Lacey at 703-696-2593 or via email at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil.
    RESEARCH INITIATIVES AT THE NAVAL POST GRADUATE SCHOOL
    Naval Supply Systems Command
    The Naval Supply Systems Command is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School," aimed at supporting basic and applied research in STEM fields relevant to national security. Eligible applicants, specifically private institutions of higher education, are encouraged to submit proposals that do not focus on the development of specific systems or hardware procurement. This initiative is significant for fostering innovative research that aligns with the Department of Defense's mission and priorities. The estimated total program funding is $20 million, with an expected 40 awards, and proposals can be submitted until January 13, 2026. Interested parties can contact Dwayne M. Casad at dwayne.m.casad.civ@us.navy.mil for further information.
    Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) Department of Defense Army
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a funding opportunity through the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI), aimed at fostering innovative research with military applications. This program invites proposals exclusively from U.S. institutions of higher education, including universities with degree-granting programs in science and engineering, to conduct high-risk basic research that addresses significant scientific challenges. With an estimated total program funding of $170 million over five years, the MURI program will support annual grants of up to $1.5 million, with proposals due by September 5, 2025, and optional white papers due by May 2, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to Dr. Sue Kase at usarmy.rtp.devcom-arl.mbx.aro-muri@army.mil for further information.
    Department of Defense Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI)
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a federal grant opportunity through the Department of Defense Research and Education Program aimed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCUs/MIs). This initiative seeks to enhance defense-related research and educational capabilities at these institutions, with a focus on increasing the number of graduates in STEM disciplines and fostering collaborations with other educational institutions and defense organizations. The program is critical for addressing national defense research priorities and strengthening the defense workforce through educational enhancements. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $100 million, with applications due by July 31, 2029. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact William A. Creech at william.a.creech3.civ@army.mil or by phone at 919-549-4387.
    NDEP STEM Open NFO
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering a funding opportunity through the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) for initiatives aimed at enhancing STEM education and outreach. This program seeks innovative proposals that align with the Department of Defense's objectives to implement and research effective STEM activities, including education at community colleges, workforce development, and civic education initiatives. Eligible applicants include industry, non-profit institutions, and educational agencies, with grant awards ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by March 5, 2024, with full applications due by April 30, 2024, and anticipated award notifications by August 1, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil.
    Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense (DoD) Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) to enhance research capabilities at U.S. universities in areas critical to national defense. This program invites proposals from accredited institutions of higher education, excluding for-profit entities, to acquire major research equipment that supports research and education in STEM fields aligned with Department of Defense (DoD) objectives. With approximately $34 million available for grants ranging from $50,000 to $3 million, applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by April 25, 2025, with a validation requirement of at least 48 hours prior to submission. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Veronica Lacey at 703-696-2593 or via email at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil.
    FY 25 DOD HBCU/MI Equipment/Instrumentation
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is inviting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Research and Education Program aimed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCUs/MIs). The program seeks to enhance research capabilities and strengthen STEM education by providing grants for the acquisition of critical equipment and instrumentation, with funding ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000. This initiative is vital for fostering research ecosystems within HBCUs/MIs and promoting student engagement in STEM fields, although funding cannot be used for student support or general-purpose equipment. Interested institutions must submit their applications via Grants.gov by April 28, 2025, and can direct inquiries to William A. Creech at william.a.creech3.civ@army.mil or by phone at 919-549-4387.
    US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Indo-Pacific Fundamental Research Collaboration Opportunities
    USAF 347 Contracting Squadron
    The USAF 347 Contracting Squadron is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Indo-Pacific Fundamental Research Collaboration Opportunities." This initiative aims to foster the discovery, development, and integration of novel science and technologies specifically within the Indo-Pacific region, explicitly excluding engagements in the Continental United States. The funding, categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, has an award ceiling of $9.5 million and a floor of $10,000, with an expected 51 awards to be made. Interested applicants can reach out to Mr. Kazuhito Urano or Mr. Joshua B. Grubb for further inquiries, and proposals must be submitted by August 30, 2027, as detailed on the System for Award Management (SAM) website.
    FY25 Department of the Navy (DoN) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research is offering a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY25 Department of the Navy (DoN) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education vital to the Navy's future workforce by developing educational pathways, encouraging student interest in STEM careers, and improving mentoring quality within educational systems. The program is crucial for strengthening the nation's STEM capabilities in support of the Department of the Navy’s technological superiority and workforce development. Eligible applicants, including academia, non-profits, and industry (excluding foreign entities and certain federal organizations), can submit white papers by April 11, 2025, with full proposals due by August 29, 2025. The anticipated funding amounts to $1.3 million, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $600,000, and a total of eight awards expected. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Sarah Jaeschke at sarah.m.jaeschke.civ@us.navy.mil.