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Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)

ID: N001425SF002 • Type: Posted

Description

DoD's MURI program addresses high-risk basic research and attempts to understand or achieve something that has never been done before. The program was initiated 40 years ago and it has regularly produced significant scientific breakthroughs with far reaching consequences to the fields of science, economic growth, and revolutionary new military technologies. Key to the program's success is the close management of the MURI projects by Service Program Officers and their active role in providing research guidance.

See Section I. Other Information for topic descriptions and more information.

Background
The Department of Defense (DoD) Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) is a program that addresses high-risk basic research and aims to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs. Established 40 years ago, MURI has contributed to advancements in science, economic growth, and military technologies. The program is managed closely by Service Program Officers who provide research guidance. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued by the DoD research offices including the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

Grant Details
The MURI program supports multidisciplinary basic research at U.S. institutions of higher education that is relevant to DoD interests. Proposals should focus on innovative ideas addressing specific research topics listed in Section I.1. The total funding available for grants over five years is estimated at approximately $170 million, with typical annual funding per grant up to $1.5 million. Proposals must include a project abstract, identification of research issues, proposed technical approaches, potential impact on DoD capabilities, team management plans, estimated costs, and CVs of key investigators. A Principal Investigator (PI) must be designated from the primary institution submitting the proposal.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering. Collaborations with ineligible organizations such as industry or foreign entities are allowed but they cannot receive MURI funds directly. There are no limitations on the number of applications an organization may submit.

Period of Performance
The anticipated start date for grants is May 1, 2026, with proposals due by September 5, 2025.

Grant Value
The total funding available for the MURI NOFO is approximately $170 million over five years, with individual grant awards typically up to $1.5 million.

Place of Performance
The research will be conducted at U.S. institutions of higher education.
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Overview

Agency
Office of Naval Research (ONR) [DoD - USN - SECNAV]
Category of Funding
Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Funding Instruments
Grant
Grant Program (CFDA)
12.300 - Basic and Applied Scientific Research
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
False
Source
Grants.gov
On 3/21/25 the Office of Naval Research posted grant opportunity N001425SF002 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI). The grant will be issued under grant program 12.300 Basic and Applied Scientific Research.

Timing

Posted Date
March 21, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EDT
Closing Date
Sept. 5, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EDT Due in 116 Days
Closing Date Explanation
Refer to the solicitation document for white paper due dates
Last Updated
March 21, 2025, 11:03 a.m. EDT
Version
1
Archive Date
Oct. 5, 2025

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Info
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.

Contacts

Contact
Veronica Lacey Grantor
Contact Email
veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil   Profile
Email Description
For additional questions related to this posting
Contact Phone
(703) 696-2593
Additional Information
link to all ONR Funding Announcements
Additional Information Site
https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities

Documents

Posted documents for N001425SF002

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