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NSF Delays 2026 MRI Grant Applications, Worrying Scientists

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 6:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The National Science Foundation has not opened the 2026 Major Research Instrumentation grant application period.
NSF says it is updating the funding opportunity but gave no new opening date.
The MRI program lets applicants request up to $4 million for equipment shared by multiple research groups.
Scientists warn delays could idle a $700,000 instrument, cause costly repairs, or miss publication windows.

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Story summary

The National Science Foundation has not opened the 2026 Major Research Instrumentation grant application period.
NSF says it is updating the funding opportunity but gave no new opening date.
The MRI program lets applicants request up to $4 million for equipment shared by multiple research groups.
Scientists warn delays could idle a $700,000 instrument, cause costly repairs, or miss publication windows.