The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) is designed to support basic research in science and engineering at United States institutions of higher education. This grant emphasizes multidisciplinary research where collaboration across multiple traditional disciplines is expected to result in rapid advances in areas of interest to the Department of Defense (DoD). The MURI program complements other DoD programs that focus on single-investigator research by promoting team-based efforts to address complex scientific challenges.

The primary objective of the MURI program is to enhance the Department’s ability to fund farsighted, high-payoff research that lays the foundation for future technological breakthroughs relevant to national security. The program aims to ensure early cognizance of new scientific knowledge by investing broadly across various scientific fields. Research supported by this grant must be basic in nature, defined as systematic study directed toward greater understanding of fundamental phenomena without specific applications in mind. Applied or advanced technological research will not be considered under this funding opportunity.

Each grant under the MURI initiative typically supports a multi-disciplinary team of 5 to 7 faculty researchers with an average annual funding level of approximately $1.5 million over a five-year period. The maximum total funding per award is estimated at $7.5 million, depending on the agency topic and availability of funds. Funding is contingent on successful proposal evaluations, which will be assessed on scientific merit, potential for advancement in fundamental understanding, relevance to DoD missions, and realism of proposed costs, among other factors.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and engineering. University-affiliated research centers (UARCs) may apply if they are part of an eligible university and not designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Industry, DoD laboratories, FFRDCs, and foreign entities may collaborate on research but cannot receive direct MURI funding. There is no limit to the number of applications an institution may submit.

The submission process involves two steps: an optional but strongly encouraged white paper, due by May 2, 2025, and a full proposal due by September 5, 2025. White papers help determine alignment with topic objectives and whether the applicant will be encouraged to submit a full proposal. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are advised to complete submission at least two business days before the deadline to allow for validation.

Evaluation of proposals includes several stages. White papers are reviewed primarily for scientific and technical merit and potential DoD interest. Full proposals are evaluated by a panel of technical experts and DoD personnel on seven criteria including research merit, relevance, qualifications, infrastructure, collaboration potential, and budget realism. Final award decisions rest with the respective DoD agency officials.