National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Funding

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Major Research Implementation (MRI) program is designed to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering equipment for research and research training. The guidelines for the NSF MRI program can be found here.

CMU is allowed to submit no more than two (2) proposals in Track 1, no more than one (1) proposal in Track 2, and no more than one (1) proposal in Track 3. There are no cost share requirements for MRI proposals in 2024-2025.

Track 1 proposals are those that request funds greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,400,000.
Track 2 proposals are those that request funds greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000.
Track 3 proposals are those that request funds greater than or equal to $100,000 and up to and including $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium.

As this is a limited submission competition, CMU faculty wishing to submit a proposal are asked to submit preliminary proposal information (as detailed below) to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). An ad hoc committee, consisting of the Deans of the applicants' colleges and the Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation, will be convened to review the preliminary proposal information. Selection decisions will be announced Friday, October 24, 2024.

Interested faculty must submit the following

Complete and submit the online "Proposal Planning Form" found here: CMU NSF Proposal Planning Form
Submit the required 1-page description of the instrument and why it's needed, the research it will enable, and the staffing and funding plan for its operation and maintenance of its functional life. (see Question #16 of the "Proposal Planning Form").

Important dates

Friday, September 20, 2024: Proposal Planning Form submitted to OSP by 11:59 p.m.
Friday, October 4, 2024: Selection decisions will be announced
Friday, November 15, 2024: NSF Deadline by 5 p.m.