Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI)

archived

A. Basic Research: The MURI Program is funded by basic research (Budget Activity 1) money. White papers and full proposals, in order to be considered for funding, are therefore required to be of a basic, rather than applied or advanced technological, nature.Note that basic research includes “scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding” while applied research deals with “the development of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods” and “the design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet general mission requirements.” The full definitions of these terms are contained in the links http://comptroller.defense.gov/fmr/02b/02b_05.pdf White papers will be evaluated by the responsible Research Topic Chief to assess whether the proposed research is likely to meet the objectives of the specific topic, and thus whether to encourage the submission of a full proposal. The assessment will focus on scientific and technical merit (criterion 2, below) and potential DoD interest and contribution to the topical area of science (criterion 3, below), although the other criteria may also be used in making the assessment.

High