Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program (MRI Website) increases access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and training in the operation of the proposed equipment. An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel and components required to develop an instrument with new capabilities that opens new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. MRI instruments are generally too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.

MRI encourages proposals from early-career researchers, from all geographic regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions, and from emerging research institutions, where MRI can significantly build capacity for research. The program especially welcomes proposals for instruments that will advance discovery in one or more national R&D priority areas, including capability for scientifically justified integration with SI-enabled workflows.

NSF Priorities

NSF welcomes submissions from all researchers, particularly those earlier in their careers and those working in research areas aligned with agency and administration priorities. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity, and adherence to tenets of Gold Standard Science in proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.