Note: This page will be updated as new information is available. Please check back frequently. (Most recent content update Oct. 11, 2022)
Program Snapshot
The NSF's Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) 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 multidisciplinarity 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.
Initial awards are expected in the range of $3-$4.5 million per year for up to 6 years.
- Information from NSF
- Stanford Limited Submissions
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This is a Limited Submission funding opportunity. A university-wide internal selection process is required prior to proposal submission to NSF. Only one MRSEC preliminary proposal may be submitted by any one organization as the lead institution.
The internal proposal is due by 11:59pm on February 7. More information on the selection and submission process is available through the Stanford Funding Opportunities portal here.
For questions about the limited submissions process, please email limitedsubmissions@stanford.edu.
Timeline
- November 9, 2021: Informational webinar from NSF (see details under "Resources" below)
- February 7, 2022: Internal proposal due to VPDoR Limited Submissions
- June 20, 2022: Required preliminary proposal due to NSF
- November 22, 2022: Full proposal due to NSF
RDO-Compiled Resources
This list will be updated as new resources become available. Please contact RDO to discuss additional support available to your proposal team.
- RDO's overview of MRSEC facts and tips
- RDO's Checklist for a MRSEC Full Proposal: This document covers the sections and content that must be included in a MRSEC Full Proposal, as well as relevant guidance on formatting and resources from NSF for preparation. It was created by RDO for Stanford affiliates (SUNet login required for access)
- RDO's Outline for a MRSEC Full Proposal Project Description: This outline was created to facilitate creating a Project Description for a MRSEC Full Proposal. It was created by RDO for Stanford Affiliates (SUNet login required for access). If you wish to work within the outline, you must first download it as a Word document.
- Preliminary Proposal Resources
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- RDO's Checklist for a MRSEC Preliminary Proposal: This document covers the sections and content that must be included in a MRSEC Preliminary Proposal, as well as relevant guidance on formatting and resources from NSF for preparation. It was created by RDO for Stanford affiliates (SUNet login required for access)
- RDO's Outline for a MRSEC Preliminary Proposal Project Description: This outline was created to facilitate creating a Project Description for a MRSEC Preliminary Proposal. It was created by RDO for Stanford Affiliates (SUNet login required for access). If you wish to work within the outline, you must first download it as a Word document.
Stanford support for proposals
Proposal support is available through the Stanford Research Development Office, Office of STEM Outreach, and School of Engineering.
- The Stanford Research Development Office (RDO) supports faculty across Stanford on proposal development, including advising on proposal sections, writing, editing, project management, and bringing in internal and external expertise. Please contact RDO Director Kim Baeten (kimbaeten@stanford.edu) for more information.
- Kyle Cole (kylecole@stanford.edu), Director of Education and STEM Outreach for the Office of Community Engagement, can provide support in connecting the Stanford community with youth, schoolteachers, nonprofits, and the broader community to help increase engagement, participation, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. School of Engineering faculty may also contact Blythe Nobleman for developing broadening participation and educational outreach plans. See details below.
- Blythe Nobleman is the Research Development Strategist & Editor in the School of Engineering. Working closely with engineering research administrators, Blythe works with SoE faculty to identify funding opportunities, develop concepts, encourage best practices in proposal writing, and to review/edit proposals. Blythe also assists with developing broadening participation and educational outreach plans. To learn more, contact: nobleman@stanford.edu.