The NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) program supports transformative materials research through multidisciplinary teams, shared facilities, and integrated education and outreach programs. Unlike single-investigator or small-team grants, MRSECs provide long-term infrastructure that enables high-risk, high-impact discovery across physics, chemistry, engineering, and computational materials science. Each MRSEC is organized around two or more Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs)—collaborative teams focused on major scientific challenges such as quantum materials, nanoscale systems, bio-inspired materials, sustainable polymers, photonics, soft matter, and emergent phenomena in complex materials. 

NSF MRSECs also operate shared experimental facilities, offering cutting-edge instrumentation for characterization, fabrication, microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials synthesis. These facilities serve not only the center’s core research groups but also broader university and regional communities, strengthening national materials research infrastructure. In addition, MRSECs integrate education, workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and outreach activities—from undergraduate research experiences (REUs) to K–12 engagement and partnerships with industry. 

Eligibility for NSF MRSEC leadership requires a U.S. university with demonstrated strength in materials research, significant institutional commitment, and the ability to support multiple IRGs and shared facilities. Proposals must include a long-term vision, strong scientific rationale, detailed management structures, diversity and inclusion plans, evaluation frameworks, and evidence of synergy across the IRGs. Successful applicants articulate pioneering research directions, meaningful cross-disciplinary integration, and a compelling strategy for advancing the next generation of materials scientists and engineers. 

ScienceDocs Can Help 

ScienceDocs assists institutions preparing NSF MRSEC proposals by supporting research vision development, IRG integration strategies, facility-management plans, and high-impact education and workforce components. 
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