NSF - Major Research Instrumentation Program

National Science Foundation

Complete guidelines can be found at National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program.

The MRI program assists in the acquisition or development of major research instrumentation by organizations that is, in general, too costly for support through other NSF programs. Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus. Any MRI proposal may request support for either the acquisition or development of a research instrument. Within their submission limit, NSF strongly encourages organizations to submit proposals for innovative development projects.

UB can submit up to three applications: no more than two submissions in Track 1 and no more than one submission in Track 2. 

Funding amounts are detailed below.  The MRI Program requires 30% cost-sharing on all proposals.  No less than 2/3rds of this matching requirement must be provided by departments or units; requests for the remaining ≤1/3rd of the matching requirement may be submitted to OVPRED.

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

If you would like to be considered, please submit the following Internal Review Documents. These documents will be reviewed by an Ad hoc committee, which will recommend to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development the candidate/project with the best chance of being awarded.

Internal Review Documents Required

• Technical description of the instrument, capabilities and estimated costs. Identify if the instrument is unique to UB and if not, why is it needed. (2 pages)
• Description of new and existing research and training projects that will be supported by the proposed instrument (2 pages)
• Description of how instrument access and maintenance will be managed. What level of expertise is needed to maintain and operate the equipment (1 page)
• List of UB Investigators and projects that will utilize the instrument.  Identify if these projects are currently funded.
• Current Biosketch for the PI and up to 4 Co-PI’s.
• A letter from the Deans of the Schools of the participating PI and Co-PI’s indicating that they will participate in 2/3rds cost-sharing of the project.

Please submit the internal review documents in a single PDF file to ovpr.limitedsubmission@research.buffalo.edu by 5pm October 1, 2020.  The selected UB applicants will be notified and invited to submit a complete application.