Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
ID: 358592Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Office of Naval Research (DOD-ONR)

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/358592

Additional Information

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities
Timeline
    Description

    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. institutions of higher education. This initiative encourages collaboration among universities to address unique challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD), with an estimated funding of approximately $170 million over five years, and grants typically capped at $1.5 million annually. The MURI program has a 40-year history of fostering significant scientific breakthroughs and advancements in military technologies, emphasizing innovative research proposals that align with DoD priorities. Interested applicants must submit white papers by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025; for further inquiries, contact Veronica Lacey at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 703-696-2593.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    N0001425SF002_FY26.pdf
    The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund groundbreaking basic research through collaboration among U.S. universities. The program, supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), provides funding of approximately $170 million over five years for multidisciplinary research projects addressing DoD's unique challenges. Interested applicants must submit white papers by May 2, 2025, and formal proposals by September 5, 2025. While collaboration with foreign entities is permitted, they cannot receive funds directly. Research proposals should demonstrate compliance with cost-sharing regulations and adhere to stringent application formats that include technical approaches, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. A significant feature of the MURI program is its emphasis on fostering academic collaboration across various scientific disciplines, thereby aiming for innovative solutions with substantial impacts on national security and military technology. The program's intent is to accelerate significant advancements and encourage teams to leverage diverse expertise for comprehensive research insights.
    N0001425SF002.pdf
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is announcing a funding opportunity for its Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI). This initiative aims to support high-risk basic research in science and engineering at U.S. higher education institutions, facilitating collaboration among multiple disciplines to address unique DoD challenges. White papers are strongly encouraged and due by May 2, 2025, while full proposals must be submitted by September 5, 2025. The estimated funding for this initiative is approximately $170 million over five years, with grants typically capped at $1.5 million annually. Eligible applicants include U.S. universities; however, industry partners may contribute but cannot directly receive MURI funds. The program seeks proposals that emphasize innovative approaches in various scientific topics outlined in the announcement. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including technical merit and relevance to DoD priorities. MURI's history spans 40 years and has significantly advanced scientific breakthroughs and military technologies through close management and guidance from the participating DoD agencies, which include the Office of Naval Research, Army Research Office, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
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