Funding-Limited Submission - NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program; December 2, 2009

The NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education, museums and science centers, and non-profit organizations. This program especially seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments. Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organization use is encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners as appropriate for the goals of the MRI Program.

The MRI program now accepts proposals requesting over $2 million in NSF support (to the maximum request of $4 million) for the acquisition of a single instrument. For proposals requesting $2 million or less, investigators may seek support for instrument development or for acquisition of a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus.

Program Announcement: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09502/nsf09502.htm

Cost Sharing: Ph.D. granting institutions of higher education and non-degree granting organizations continue to be required to provide 30 percent cost-sharing. Effective FY 2009, cost-sharing for both acquisition and development proposals will be calculated based on the total proposal project costs.

The Vice President for Research supports applications to the NSF MRI program and will provide the required 30% match and the institutional letter documenting it.

Because NSF limits an institution to no more than two acquisition proposals and one development proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, December 2, 2009:

1. Description of the Research Instrumentation and indicate if the proposal is for Instrument acquisition or Instrument development; note that if UK submits or is included as a partner or subawardee on three proposals, at least one of these proposals must be for instrument development.

2. PI name and department and names and departments of other researchers involved;

3. A two-page description of the research/research training to be conducted and why the equipment is important to this research;

4. A budget – itemize total instrument cost, anticipated recurring costs (such as maintenance, operating cost and technical support for the life of the equipment), anticipated renovation costs for site if appropriate, and cost-sharing from all sources. Include in the budget justification a description of the match required. The priority for institutional cost-sharing will be to supply operations funds for personnel, supplies, or other eligible support costs, which must be directly allocable to the instrument and be expended during the award period. Matches are welcome from other sources, such as personnel time. Priority will be given to proposals for multi-user instruments with a clear plan for extended maintenance and usage and to those that intend to place such instruments in supported core facilities operating as recharge centers.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)

A committee will be convened to review the material and make recommendations as to the University’s submissions. All applicants will be notified in time to submit the proposal by the January 28, 2010 deadline.