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Program

Major Research Instrumentation Program

Funds shared research instruments too expensive for an ordinary grant — up to $4 million to buy one or to build one that does not exist yet.

National Science FoundationUnited StatesGrant

MRI exists for the instruments that fall between grants: multi-user kit that is too costly, or simply the wrong shape, for a normal research award. It pays either to acquire an instrument commercially from a vendor, or to cover the people and equipment needed to develop one with capabilities nothing on the market has.

Both halves matter to NSF. Acquisition removes a barrier where fundamental rese

Hardware

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.

Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Source: www.nsf.gov