Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
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.
Eligible Applicants
This MURI competition is open only to, and proposals are to be submitted only by, U.S. institutions of higher education (universities) with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering, including DoD institutions of higher education. To the extent that it is part of a U.S. institution of higher education and is not designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) is eligible to submit a proposal to this MURI competition and/or receive MURI funds. Ineligible organizations (e.g., industry, DoD laboratories, FFRDCs, and foreign entities) may collaborate on the research but may not receive MURI funds directly or via subaward.