Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1)

The NSF Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1) Program supports either design activities or implementation of unique and compelling research infrastructure projects in the mid-scale range. This Foundation-wide program is intended to provide an agile process to fund experimental research capabilities between NSF's Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program and Major Multi-user Facilities. Mid-scale RI-1 emphasizes strong scientific merit, response to identified needs of the research community, and fulfillment of national needs to enable U.S. researchers to be competitive in a global research environment. Implementation projects may have total project costs ranging from $4 million up to but not including $20 million, while Design activities may request $400,000 up to but not including $20 million. The program seeks to support innovative, potentially transformative projects that directly enable advances in research domains supported by NSF. Projects should involve training of a diverse workforce engaged in the design and implementation of STEM research infrastructure and may include new infrastructure or upgrades to existing research infrastructure.