Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
ID: 358585Type: 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
Timeline
    Description

    The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI), aimed at supporting innovative, high-risk basic research in science and engineering at U.S. institutions of higher education. This program encourages proposals that address long-term national security needs and fosters collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, with an estimated funding of $170 million over five years, allowing up to $1.5 million annually per project. The MURI program has a history of producing significant scientific breakthroughs and is critical for advancing military technologies and economic growth. Interested applicants must submit white papers by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025, with further inquiries directed to Veronica Lacey at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 703-696-2593.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to support basic, multidisciplinary research in science and engineering at U.S. institutions of higher education. The program is administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Proposals are solicited for various innovative research topics, with funding estimated at $170 million over five years, granting up to $1.5 million annually per project. White papers are encouraged by May 2, 2025, with full proposals due September 5, 2025. Eligible applicants include U.S. universities, while DoD laboratories and foreign entities may collaborate but cannot receive funding. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov and must follow strict formatting and content guidelines, including project abstracts, technical approaches, and budget justifications. Notably, cost-sharing is not a factor during merit review, and applicants must ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding telecommunications equipment. The program emphasizes innovative, high-risk research that addresses long-term national security needs, fostering collaborations that can achieve significant scientific advancements.
    The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) through ONR, ARO, and AFOSR, targeting collaborative basic research at U.S. institutions. The initiative provides approximately $170 million over five years for high-risk foundational research across various DoD-relevant topics. Key submission deadlines include white papers by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025. The program encourages innovative approaches from multidisciplinary teams, promoting technological advancements with potential military applications. Eligibility is limited to U.S. universities, excluding certain federal research centers and foreign entities. Award structures will be in the form of grants or cooperative agreements, emphasizing collaboration among various academic institutions. The document outlines detailed requirements for application processes that include project abstracts, budget justification, and management plans, with a focus on compliance and data management standards. This funding opportunity reflects the DoD's commitment to fostering scientific breakthroughs necessary for national security and technological superiority.
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