Most recent content update: January 23, 2025
Note: This page will be updated as new information is available. Please check back frequently.
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.
- NSF Program Page
- NSF Program Solicitation
- NSF MRSEC webinar - February 5, 2025
- MRSEC webpage with information on current centers
- Stanford Limited Submissions Details
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Stanford can submit only one proposal for this NSF funding opportunity. A university-wide internal selection process is required before submission.
To learn more about the selection process and submit your internal application, visit the Stanford Limited Submissions Opportunities Portal.
For questions about the limited submissions process, email limitedsubmissions@stanford.edu.
Timeline
- February 5, 2025: Informational webinar from NSF
- March 3, 2025: Internal proposal due to VPDoR Limited Submissions
- June 23, 2025: Required preliminary proposal due to NSF
- November 24, 2025: Full proposal due to NSF, by invitation only
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.
- 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.
- Full Proposal Resources
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- 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.
Stanford support for proposals
The Stanford Research Development Office (RDO) provides proposal development support, including writing, editing and project management for collaborative, complex, and strategic proposals. Please contact Kim Baeten for more information.
RDO supports NSF MRSEC proposals in collaboration with:
- Blythe Nobleman, School of Engineering Senior Research Development Manager; Engineering Research Administration (See FAQs for details)
- Kyle Cole, Director of Education and STEM Outreach; Office of Community Engagement