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Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers

ID: 26-500 • Type: Posted
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Description

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) program provides sustained support of materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering. Each MRSEC addresses research of a scope and complexity requiring the scale, synergy, and multidisciplinarity provided by a campus-based research center. The MRSECs support materials research infrastructure in the United States, promote active collaboration between universities and other sectors, including industry and international organizations, and contribute to the development of a national network of university-based centers in materials research, education, and facilities. A MRSECmay be located at a single institution, or may involve multiple institutions in partnership, and is composed of two to three Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs), each addressing a fundamental materials science topic aligned with the Division of Materials Research (DMR).
Background
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) program is designed to provide sustained support for high-quality materials research and education while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering. The MRSECs aim to enhance materials research infrastructure across the United States, fostering collaboration between universities, industries, and international organizations. Each MRSEC may be based at a single institution or involve multiple institutions working together, consisting of two to three Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) that focus on fundamental materials science topics aligned with the Division of Materials Research (DMR).

Grant Details
The MRSEC program supports various tasks including:

1. Establishing a campus-based research center that addresses complex materials research problems.
2. Promoting active collaboration among universities, industry, and international organizations.
3. Developing a national network of university-based centers focused on materials research and education.
4. Supporting the establishment of Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) that tackle specific materials science topics.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education that can demonstrate the capability to conduct interdisciplinary materials research and education. Preference may be given to proposals that include partnerships with industry or international organizations.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for grants awarded under this program typically spans multiple years, allowing for sustained research efforts and educational initiatives.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunities varies, with individual awards potentially reaching significant amounts depending on the scope and scale of the proposed projects.

Place of Performance
The grant activities are expected to take place at U.S.-based institutions involved in materials research.
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Overview

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Category of Funding
Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Funding Instruments
Grant
Grant Program (CFDA)
47.049 - Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
False
Source
Grants.gov
On 12/12/25 National Science Foundation posted grant opportunity 26-500 for Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers with funding of $15.0 million. The grant will be issued under grant program 47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences. It is expected that 5 total grants will be made.

Timing

Posted Date
Dec. 12, 2025, 12:00 a.m. EST
Closing Date
Jan. 27, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EST Past Due
Last Updated
Jan. 13, 2026, 11:00 p.m. EST
Version
2
Archive Date
Feb. 26, 2026

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Info
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.

Award Sizing

Ceiling
Not Listed
Floor
Not Listed
Estimated Program Funding
$15,000,000
Estimated Number of Grants
5

Contacts

Contact
U.S. National Science Foundation
Contact Email
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
Email Description
If you have any problems linking to this funding announcement, please contact the email address above.
Contact Phone
(703) 292-4203
Additional Information
NSF Publication 26-500
Additional Information Site
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf26500

Documents

Posted documents for 26-500

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