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University of Wisconsin–Madison

NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) 2018 REVISED

To:Chairs and Administrators, Departments in the Biological, Physical, & Social Sciences; Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators
From:Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Education
Date:November 17, 2017
Subject:NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program: (MRI) 2018 NSF 18-513

Deadline

Deadline for Internal Review:December 15, 2017

Project Description

This internal announcement was posted in September based on the NSF guidelines current at the time, however, NSF has just revised their guidelines.  As a result we are now re-posting to request applications only for Track 1 proposals that request funds from NSF greater than $100,000 and less than $1,000,000. The pool of applications for Track 2 has been received and no further applications are being requested.

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training in our Nation’s 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.

MRI provides support to acquire critical research instrumentation without which advances in fundamental science and engineering research may not otherwise occur. MRI also provides support to develop next-generation research instruments that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected to enhance research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument users, designers and builders

Amount per Award: $100,000 – $4 million
Duration of Award: 1 Year
Number of Awards: 150 Awards

Eligibility

The number of MRI proposal submissions allowed per institution continues to be a maximum of three, but is now based on the dollar value of the amount requested from NSF; no more than two submissions are permitted in a newly-defined Track 1 (Track 1 proposals are those requesting from NSF $100,000 to less than $1 million) and no more than one submission is permitted in a newly defined Track 2 (Track 2 proposals are those requesting from NSF $1 million up to and including $4 million). Proposal submissions within the two tracks may be either for acquisition or development of a research instrument. NSF strongly values MRI proposals that seek to develop next-generation research instruments that open new frontiers of research. As a result the MRI program seeks to support development proposals in numbers (i.e., up to 1/3 of awards) consistent with recent competitions, depending on the numbers and quality of the proposals.

An MRI proposal may request up to $4 million for either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Beginning with the FY 2018 competition, each performing organization may submit in revised “Tracks” as defined below, with no more than two submissions in Track 1 and no more than one submission in Track 2.

  • Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,0001 and less than $1,000,000.
  • Track 2: 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.

Cost sharing of precisely 30% of the total project cost is required.

*The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Education has a limited amount of funds available each year to assist applicants to the NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program when a match is required. The OVCRGE will consider committing a contribution for successful applications, up to 50% of the required match, but not more than $500,000. However, potential contributions are also subject to the availability of funds, competitive review and approval by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.

Website

Internal Competition Application Instructions

Applications for Internal Review

To submit your application, follow this link: https://inic-uwmadison.fluidreview.com/

Please include the following information:

  • Full Contact information for PI & Co-PIs
  • Verify your project is Track 1 (Track 2 not currently accepted)
  • 2-3 page description of the proposed instrumentation, the need for the instrumentation, and the faculty/staff programs impacted – under $1 million.
  • 2-3 sentences on your plans for meeting the NSF cost-sharing requirement including total cost for the project.  Include this signed form with your application: NSF MRI Cost Share Form

Sponsor Deadlines

Applications are due to NSF by February 05, 2018.

Questions?

Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.