The University of Utah’s internal competition for the NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program is now available! The MRI Program is a highly competitive limited submission opportunity that serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training at institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs or funding mechanisms. An MRI proposal may request up to $4 million for either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Proposals must be organized under one of the following MRI “Tracks”:
- Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than $1,000,000. The University of Utah is limited to two Track 1 proposals.
- Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,000,000 up to and including $4,000,000. The University of Utah is limited to one Track 2 proposal.
Please see solicitation NSF 18-513 for full program details and eligibility requirements. Solicitation and internal competition are both subject to change prior to the internal submission deadline.
Faculty interested in competing for a 2022-2023 MRI award must first submit to this internal competition (LINK: https://utah.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1882818) and be selected for full proposal submission to the NSF. Internal competitions help verify the eligibility of an applicant and ensure that another application has not already been selected to submit to a specific limited submission opportunity. Candidates selected in an internal competition will be notified approximately 6 weeks prior to the MRI deadline on whether they have been selected to submit a proposal on behalf of the University.
Internal applications are due by 11:59pm (MST) on Thursday, October 20th, 2022.
Questions about the MRI internal competition should be directed to vprgrants@utah.edu.