$24 Million Available for Materials Research Centers

Between 10 and 15 Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) will be funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in early 2002. In a recently released request for proposals, NSF indicates that it has $24 million available for the centers. The MRSEC program supports interdisciplinary, university-based group research and education in the areas of materials science and engineering, condensed matter physics, solid state and materials chemistry, and related areas. Each of the 24 existing MRSECs encompass one or more interdisciplinary research groups.



The request for proposals is toward making between 10 and 15 awards to universities for the establishment of new MRSECs or continuation of existing centers. Existing MRSECs will be in open competition with new proposals. If an existing MRSEC is unsuccessful, phase out funding may be provided at a reduced level for up to two years.



Grantees will receive awards ranging from $800,000 to $5 million per year for up to six years starting in September, 2002. NSF will make an initial commitment to awardees for up to six years, although funding for years five and six will be contingent on external reviews of the MRSEC's activities. A ten percent cost share is required.



The Centers, depending upon their size and capabilities, incorporate most or all of these activities:

• Programs to stimulate interdisciplinary education and the development of human resources including support for underrepresented groups) through cooperation and collaboration with other institutions and sectors, as well as within the host institution. Cooperative programs involving minority and non-minority institutions are strongly encouraged. 
• Active cooperation with industry, to stimulate and facilitate knowledge transfer among the participants and strengthen the links between university-based research and its application; cooperation and collaboration with other academic institutions and other sectors.
• Active efforts to establish research collaborations and education activities at the international level. Cooperative activities may include, but are not limited to: joint research programs; affiliate programs; joint development and use of shared experimental facilities; access to user facilities; visiting scientist programs; joint educational ventures; joint seminar series, colloquia or workshops; stimulation of new business ventures; involvement of external advisory groups; and industrial outreach programs. 
• Support for shared experimental facilities, properly staffed, equipped and maintained, and accessible to users from the Center, the participating institutions, and other institutions and sectors.

U.S. institutions may submit up to two MRSEC proposals each. Pre-proposals are due by September 10, 2001 and full proposals, which will be by invitation only, will be due January 14, 2002. The complete solicitation (NSF 01-109) can be downloaded from: http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf01109