NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)

New York Institute of Technology is eligible to apply to the National Science Foundation (NSF) 23-519 Major Research Instrumentation Program. (MRI).

An MRI proposal may request up to $4 million from the NSF for either the acquisition or development of a research instrument. Each performing organization (such as New York Tech) may submit up to four proposals in revised “Tracks” as defined below, with no more than two submissions in Track 1, no more than one submission in Track 2, and no more than one submission in the newly defined Track 3. 

MRI Tracks

  • Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than $100,000 (see footnote 1 here) and less than $1,400,000. (Up to two submissions)
  • Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000. (No more than one submission)
  • Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium. (No more than one submission)

Cost-sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program are waived for a period of five years, beginning with the fiscal year 2023 MRI competition. Institutional submission limits for Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3 proposals remain.

Proposal Submissions

Because only four applications per institution are permitted, the Office of the Vice Provost for Research is conducting an internal submission review to determine and nominate the proposal(s) that best serve the needs of the university and aid in our progress as a highly active research institution.

Project Requirements

Each proposal must include all of the mandatory components listed here. Non-compliance will result in the withdrawal of the application. A proposal should consist of a one-page project overview that includes:

  • Benefit: Detail how it would advance research at New York Tech.
  • Intellectual Merit: Describe the potential of the proposed activity to advance knowledge in the discipline.
  • Broader Impacts: Describe the potential of the proposed activity to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.
  • Location: Include the building and room where the proposed equipment would be installed, as well as the faculty and staff (name, department, school) who would utilize it.
  • Equipment: Include a preliminary quote and specification sheet.

Deadlines

  • Project investigators who are interested in applying for NSF 23-519 should forward the preliminary application files to grants@nyit.edu by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025.
  • The vice provost for research and OSPAR will review all applications. The selected project investigator will be notified on Friday, August 15.
  • Final proposals are due to the NSF between October 15 and November 14.