Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
ID: 358531Type: 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/358531

Additional Information

https://www.nre.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. 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.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    N0001425SF002_FY26.pdf
    The Department of Defense (DoD) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI). This program supports basic research in science and engineering at U.S. universities, aiming for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex defense-related issues. The funding is expected to total approximately $170 million over five years, with grants typically up to $1.5 million annually. Key dates include white paper submissions due by May 2, 2025, and full proposals by September 5, 2025. Eligible applicants must be U.S. institutions of higher education, and ineligible entities may collaborate but cannot receive funds directly. The NOFO outlines stringent submission processes, eligibility criteria, and compliance with federal regulations, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the research. The program also actively encourages communication between the DoD and researchers to foster innovative advancements that align with national security objectives.
    Similar Opportunities
    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.
    FY25 ONR Office Of Naval Research (ONR) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Education and Workforce Program
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its FY25 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program. This initiative aims to enhance formal and informal STEM education, focusing on developing knowledge, skills, and interests in physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also attracting students to pursue careers in these fields. The program is critical for advancing STEM education, which is essential for national defense, and is open to a wide range of applicants, including academia, non-profit, and for-profit organizations, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2026. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Veronica Lacey at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 703-696-2593, and further details can be found at the ONR funding opportunities website.
    Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) Broad Agency Announcement for Fiscal Year 2026
    NSWC Dahlgren
    The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is inviting proposals for the Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for fiscal year 2026, specifically targeting colleges and universities. This initiative aims to support research in advanced engineering topics pertinent to naval operations, including Naval Architecture and Ship Design, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Electromagnetic Sensors, AI/ML applications, and innovative materials for military applications. The program emphasizes collaboration with NSWCDD experts to enhance student engagement in research while addressing complex challenges in naval technology. Proposals are due by October 15, 2025, with funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $450,000, and interested applicants can reach out to Grant Specialist Jennifer E. Montrief at jennifer.e.montrief.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 540-273-2519 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.
    Defense Security Cooperation University - Research Grants
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering research grants through the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) to enhance knowledge and practices in security cooperation and irregular warfare. This funding opportunity invites individual researchers or research teams, including those from professional military education institutions and federally funded research centers, to submit white papers focusing on evidence and data-building activities that contribute to the understanding of security cooperation. The initiative, with a total anticipated funding of $21.6 million over five fiscal years, emphasizes the importance of unclassified and publicly accessible research findings that support U.S. security interests. Interested applicants can reach out to Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer, at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil, with proposals due by August 7, 2028.
    Staff Research Program
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a funding opportunity for the Staff Research Program, aimed at engaging scientific staff in collaborative research with higher education institutions. This program seeks to enhance the professional competence of Army Research Office (ARO) scientists through hands-on, fundamental research in various scientific fields, including engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences, with a focus on advancing knowledge relevant to Army missions. Eligible applicants include institutions recognized for their scientific research capabilities, and the funding will be provided through cooperative agreements with award amounts ranging from $200,000 to $10 million. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov by June 2, 2030, and interested parties can contact Mr. William Creech at William.a.creech3.civ@army.mil for further information.
    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.
    EONS 2018: Appendix E Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for Sustainability and Innovation Collaborative – (MUSIC)
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is offering a funding opportunity through the EONS 2018: Appendix E Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for Sustainability and Innovation Collaborative (MUSIC). This initiative aims to enhance STEM education and research at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) by providing cooperative agreements to accredited MSIs partnered with non-profit organizations, with a total estimated program funding of $900,000 and an award ceiling of $450,000 for up to three awards. The program seeks to build institutional capacity, improve awareness of NASA resources, and foster partnerships that support long-term sustainability of STEM research at MSIs. Interested applicants must submit proposals electronically by May 22, 2018, and can direct inquiries to NASAMUSIC@nasaprs.com for further information.
    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.
    Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments
    Air Force -- Research Lab
    The Air Force Research Laboratory is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments." This grant aims to support research and development activities in the field of directed energy, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements for applicants. The funding is crucial for advancing scientific and technological innovations, particularly in the realm of defense applications. Interested parties can apply for grants with an award ceiling of $49 million, and the application period is open until July 18, 2029. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Mariah Salazar at mariah.salazar@us.af.mil or Monique Esquibel-Sena at monique.esquibelsena@us.af.mil.