Internal Applications due April 18, 2025

Some external grant opportunities have limits on institutional submissions. In those cases, internal competitions are organized by the Division of Research & Innovation (DORI). Limited submission funding opportunities and details on how to apply internally are listed on the Division of Research's Limited Submissions website. 

The  Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSECs) program provides sustained support of materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering. Each MRSEC addresses research of a scope and complexity requiring the scale, synergy, and multidisciplinary provided by a campus-based research center. The MRSECs support materials research infrastructure in the United States, promote active collaboration between universities and other sectors, including industry and international organizations, and contribute to the development of a national network of university-based centers in materials research, education, and facilities. A MRSEC may be located at a single institution, or may involve multiple institutions in partnership, and is composed of two to three Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs), each addressing a fundamental materials science topic aligned with the Division of Materials Research (DMR).

Award Information

The expected range for individual MRSEC awards is approximately $3 million per year for a 2-IRG MRSEC, up to a maximum of $4.5 million annually for a 3-IRG MRSEC. Initially, awards will be granted for up to six years, with continued funding dependent on the Center's progress and external review outcomes. The number of awards granted will be determined by available funds and the quality of submitted proposals. Any funding for existing Centers beyond the initial period will require the submission of a re-competing proposal as outlined.

Award decisions are based on a thorough, competitive merit review process. Proposals from existing (re-competing) MRSECs will be evaluated alongside new proposals, with the re-competing MRSEC's previous achievements, detailed in the Results from Prior NSF Support section of both preliminary and full proposals, serving as a crucial consideration. The commitment of each Center to introduce new research topics and pursue innovative research will also be significant in evaluating re-competing proposals. If a proposal from an existing center is successful, a new cooperative agreement will be issued for the center.

WSU Limited Submission Competition

To be considered as WSU’s applicant for this funding opportunity, please apply through the InfoReady system by 11:59 pm on April 18, 2025. You will be asked to provide a 2-page research summary and biographical sketches.

If you have questions about this limited submission funding opportunity, please contact Nicole Morris at rifs@wayne.edu.

APPLY HERE 

Sponsor Deadlines:

Preliminary Proposal Due: June 23, 2025

Full Proposal Due: November 25, 2025