Search Grant Opportunities

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

ID: N0001425SF002 • Type: Posted
Question & Answer Assistant

Hello! Please let me know your questions about this opportunity. I will answer based on the available opportunity documents.

Sign in to upload a capability statement or catalogue for your company

Some suggestions:
Please summarize the work to be completed under this opportunity
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
I'd like to anonymously submit a question to the procurement officer(s)

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 aimed at addressing high-risk basic research that seeks to achieve groundbreaking scientific advancements. Established 40 years ago, MURI has consistently led to significant breakthroughs impacting science, economic growth, and military technologies. The program emphasizes close management by Service Program Officers who provide essential research guidance.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued by the DoD agencies 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 research efforts at U.S. institutions of higher education that are of potential interest to the DoD. Proposals should focus on innovative ideas that address specific topics outlined in Section I.1., which include areas such as Characterization and Modeling of the Mesosphere, Ethical Constructs in Adaptive Learning Systems, and more.

The total funding available over five years is approximately $170 million, with typical annual funding per grant up to $1.5 million. Proposals must name a Principal Investigator from the primary institution and describe the roles of participating institutions and fund distribution.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science or engineering, including DoD institutions. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible for funding but may collaborate on research. There are no limitations on the number of applications an organization may submit.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period for grant performance begins on May 1, 2026, following notifications of selection for awards expected in January 2026.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding for this MURI NOFO is approximately $170 million over five years, with individual grants typically valued up to $1.5 million.

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

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 3/25/25 the Office of Naval Research posted grant opportunity N0001425SF002 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 25, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EDT
Closing Date
Sept. 5, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EDT Due in 33 Days
Closing Date Explanation
Refer to the solicitation document for white paper due dates
Last Updated
March 25, 2025, 10:49 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.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities

Documents

Posted documents for N0001425SF002

Potential Applicants and Partners

Awardees that have recently won grants similar to N0001425SF002

Incumbent or Similar Grants

Grants similar to N0001425SF002

Similar Active Opportunities

Open grant opportunities similar to N0001425SF002