The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) 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).
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1
Deadlines:
- Duke Internal: TBA
- Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): June 23, 2025
- Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): November 24, 2025
Proposals addressing fundamental materials research problems in the following areas are of particular interest:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), including use of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and other emerging data-centric approaches to address complex problems in materials science, and in particular as applied to traditional materials science problems in ceramics, metals, metallic alloys, and other materials classes. The use of AI and machine learning to enable advanced manufacturing, and using predictive design to program materials’ composition, structure, and function are also of interest.
- Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology, including addressing materials challenges that hinder the advancement of incorporating synthetic biology techniques to the development of next-generation materials and living (functional) materials relevant to biotechnology; and fundamental materials research at the intersection of synthetic biology and abiotic materials and technologies, and of engineering biology and materials science. Efforts may include, but are not limited to, the development of materials, living materials, and/or materials systems that have the potential to impact the way we grow, store, and preserve food; to explore new materials that sustain the well-being of humans, non-human animals, and populations; development of knowledge of how to manufacture new biological materials for information storage and processing; development of new materials that are pluripotent and autonomous that can sense their environment and change properties; and new approaches to manufacture at scale materials that are safer, more sustainable, and novel (see https://roadmap.ebrc.org/2021-roadmap-materials/ for more information.)
- Advanced Manufacturing, including new strategies for creating composite materials across materials classes (e.g., combining digital- and self-assembly), new tools for modeling and monitoring processing (e.g., in situ characterization), and developing the ability to print functionality, such as spatially resolved mechanical/chemical properties, in addition to structures; exploring opportunities for hierarchical materials by combining self-assembly (bottom-up) with top-down additive manufacturing and 4D printing; blending manufacturing approaches for heterogeneous (soft and hard) materials; precision synthesis and characterization of macromolecular/bespoke polymer materials.
In addition, further potential research topics to broaden the current MRSEC portfolio include, but are not limited to:
- Structural Materials under Extreme Conditions: this effort addresses fundamental challenges in ceramic, metallic, and polymeric structural materials, and their composites for applications under extreme conditions.
- Materials for Clean, Sustainable Energy: this effort addresses development of earth-abundant / non-toxic element-based materials and sustainable practices that support: materials for clean, sustainable energy harvesting, conversion and storage; and materials for energy-efficient processing, storage, and communication of information. Proposals in this area must address topics that are distinct from ongoing research efforts supported by other federal agencies.
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1
Only one MRSEC preliminary proposal may be submitted by any one organization as the lead institution in this competition. An institution proposing research in several groups should submit a single MRSEC proposal with multiple Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs). A MRSEC proposal must contain a minimum of 2 IRGs and a maximum of 3 IRGs. The IRGs in a Center may be thematically related, or they may address different aspects of materials research typically supported by DMR. Integration of multiple, differing IRGs into one MRSEC allows efficient utilization of resources, including common infrastructure, and better coordination of education and other activities of the Center.
Institutions that were awarded a MRSEC in the FY 2023 competition as the lead institution are not eligible to submit a MRSEC proposal as a lead institution in this competition.
MRSEC full proposals may be submitted by invitation only.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1
An individual may be the Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI for only one preliminary proposal, i.e., no investigator, PI or co-PI, can be listed on the NSF proposal Cover Sheet on more than one proposal.
The number of MRSEC awards will depend on the quality of the proposals and available funds. An estimate of $27M will be available for the FY 2026 competition for funding 8-10 MRSEC awards.
2011 - Gabriel Lopez - Pratt School of Engineering
Owing to the sponsor's restriction on the number of applications that may be submitted from Duke, anyone wishing to pursue nomination should submit the following materials as one PDF.
* A letter of support from dean or chair - 1 to 1.5 pages
* DRAFT of Project summary - 1 page
* NSF Biosketch of project leader
Please submit internal materials through My Research Proposal. (Code ILN) https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=ApVvmgXCk2Uj7AzWyDEJKQ2
Instructions for setting up your account and uploading internal applications can be found here: https://ors.duke.edu/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Applicant%20Instructions_FINAL.pdf