This is a friendly reminder that the Thursday, March 27, 2025 letter of intent deadline for the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation program (MRI) is fast approaching! The MRI program is a limited competition opportunity. Only two proposals may be submitted per campus for Track 1, and one proposal from Track 2. Due to increased interest in this opportunity, we now have an internal selection process. Your Letter of Intent (LOI) will be used, in collaboration with the college deans, to decide which projects should go forward to develop a full proposal to the National Science Foundation due  November 14, 2025.

APPLY: Applicants can submit their LOI and find the solicitation through InfoReady, which can be accessed on Cal Poly Humboldt’s Engagement Hub.

Letter of Intent Due: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Funding Amounts: Track 1 proposals are greater than $100,000 and less than $1,400,000. Track 2 proposals are greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000. 

ABOUT: 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.

For assistance with completing the application please contact one of our Pre-Award Specialists: Pia Gabriel at pg12@humboldt.edu, Kaz Wegmuller at jkw77@humboldt.edu, or Jocelyne Takatsuno at jt366@humboldt.edu.