Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) | Apply Online

FAQs: Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) - ONR (Funding Opportunity Number ONRBAA11 026)

What is the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI)?

MURI is a Department of Defense-oriented basic research grant program administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). It funds fundamental science and engineering research at U.S. colleges and universities when the results could plausibly matter to DoD missions over time.

What makes MURI different from many other academic research grants?

MURI places a strong emphasis on genuinely multidisciplinary research teams. The work is expected to sit at the intersection of multiple traditional disciplines, using that interaction to accelerate progress in ways a single-discipline effort would likely reach more slowly (or not at all).

What is the main purpose of this MURI opportunity?

The purpose is to push rapid advances in areas that the DoD cares about by bringing together different technical perspectives to address scientific gaps that affect future defense capabilities, while still supporting broad scientific impact through basic research.

Is this opportunity focused on basic research or product development?

This opportunity explicitly supports basic research rather than near-term product development.

Who is administering this MURI competition?

The program is administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this competition?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is ONRBAA11 026.

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development, and it is associated with CFDA 12.300, Basic and Applied Scientific Research.

Where do applicants find the specific research topics for this MURI cycle?

Applicants are directed to Section VIII, titled "Specific MURI Topics," in the full announcement for the detailed list of research areas that ONR and DoD components consider priorities for this cycle.

How important is alignment with the published MURI topics?

MURI topics can be narrowly defined and are often crafted to address specific scientific gaps relevant to future defense capabilities. Competitive proposals typically align tightly with one of the published topics while also demonstrating broad scientific impact and strong cross-disciplinary integration.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions of higher education (including DoD institutions of higher education) that have degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering.

Are DoD institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. The eligibility statement includes DoD institutions of higher education, as long as they have degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering.

Can university-connected organizations apply?

Certain university-connected organizations can be eligible if they are part of a U.S. university and are not designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).

Can a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) or University Affiliated Laboratory (UAL) submit and receive MURI funds?

Yes, but only to the extent that the UARC or other UAL is part of the university and is not designated as an FFRDC.

Are Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) eligible under the university-connected organization allowance?

No. The announcement specifies that eligibility for certain university-connected organizations depends on being part of a U.S. university and not being designated as an FFRDC.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning proposers are not required to provide institutional or third-party matching funds as a condition of eligibility or award.

When was this opportunity posted and created?

The source data shows the opportunity was posted and created on July 21, 2011.

What is the closing date for this opportunity?

The original and current closing date shown is November 10, 2011.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date shown is December 10, 2011.

Does the opportunity mention a white paper stage?

Yes. The notice emphasizes that white paper submission dates should be confirmed in the application instructions and full announcement, implying a staged submission process where preliminary submissions may be used for screening or feedback before full proposals are invited or encouraged.

Why do white paper deadlines matter for applicants?

The practical takeaway is that meeting white paper deadlines and format requirements can be just as important as the final closing date, since early steps may determine whether a team is positioned to submit a competitive full proposal.

Where can applicants find other ONR funding announcements and related information?

The announcement provides a link to all ONR Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), which can help applicants understand related ONR funding mechanisms and track updates and amendments.

Who is the point of contact if there are problems accessing the full announcement electronically?

The listed point of contact is Jennifer Brown, Contract Specialist.

How can the point of contact be reached?

Jennifer Brown can be reached by phone at 703-588-2432.

What kinds of questions might be routed through Grants.gov versus the ONR contact?

The notice references Grants.gov questions, suggesting technical submission issues may be routed through standard federal assistance channels, while content or administrative questions may go through the ONR point of contact.