The Department of Defense (DOD) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI). Originally established in 1985, MURI remains one of the most popular programs among researchers at institutions of higher education and stands as the benchmark for building a defense-oriented research capability on campus. With the goal of leveraging interdisciplinary teams to understand and achieve revolutionary breakthroughs on behalf of the warfighter, MURI projects are closely guided by a Service-level program manager focused on accelerating high-risk basic research in science, economic growth, and military technology.

This year, the Army, Navy, and Air Force basic research offices are seeking applications in 22 topic areas, with particular interest in the behaviors of materials and matter, information sensing and processing, and systems manipulation.

Due Dates: While not required, prospective awardees are strongly encouraged to submit white papers before 5:00 PM ET on May 2, 2025. Full proposals are due on September 5, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.

For the full solicitation, visit https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358531.

Source: Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

March 7, 2025, Washington Update