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

Background
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) is sponsored by the DoD research offices, including the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

The MURI program aims to support high-risk basic research that addresses unique challenges faced by the Department of Defense, facilitating significant scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. This program has been operational for over 40 years and emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration among universities to foster innovative research.

Grant Details
The MURI program supports basic research in science and engineering at U.S. institutions of higher education that is of potential interest to the DoD.

Proposals should focus on multidisciplinary research efforts where multiple traditional disciplines interact to provide rapid advances in scientific areas relevant to the DoD. Awards will take the form of grants, with typical annual funding per grant up to $1.5 million, contingent on availability of funds and specific topics outlined in Section I.1.

Proposals must include a project abstract, identification of research issues, proposed technical approaches, potential impact on DoD capabilities, team management plans, estimated costs, and CVs of key investigators.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering, including DoD institutions.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to receive MURI funds directly but may collaborate on research. There are no limitations on the number of applications an applicant organization may submit.

Period of Performance
The anticipated start date for grants awarded under this NOFO is May 1, 2026, with a performance period extending over five years.

Grant Value
The total funding available for this MURI NOFO is estimated at approximately $170 million over five years, with typical annual funding per grant up to $1.5 million.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed at U.S. institutions of higher education.