Deadline: 06-Nov-2026
The Department of War (DoW) has announced the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) to strengthen research infrastructure at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. The programme provides funding for the acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation that enhances scientific research and supports the education of scientists and engineers in fields important to national defense.
Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) FY 2027
The Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) supports accredited U.S. higher education institutions by funding the purchase of research equipment and instrumentation. The programme aims to improve institutional research capabilities while strengthening education and training in science, mathematics, engineering, and other disciplines relevant to national defense.
Programme Objectives
The programme seeks to strengthen research capacity and scientific education through investment in advanced research infrastructure.
Its objectives include:
- Enhance university research capabilities.
- Support the acquisition of advanced research equipment and instrumentation.
- Improve scientific and engineering research.
- Strengthen education and workforce development in science and engineering.
- Advance research in areas important to national defense.
- Build long-term institutional research capacity.
Priority Areas
The programme supports projects related to:
- Scientific research.
- Engineering research.
- Mathematics.
- Research infrastructure.
- Research equipment.
- Laboratory instrumentation.
- Science and technology.
- Research and development.
- National defense research.
- Higher education research.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for the acquisition of research equipment or instrumentation that:
- Enhances institutional research capabilities.
- Supports scientific and engineering research.
- Strengthens laboratory infrastructure.
- Improves education and training for scientists and engineers.
- Advances research relevant to national defense.
Funding Available
The programme provides:
- Total estimated funding: USD 28 million
- Minimum award: USD 50,000
- Maximum award: USD 3 million
Funding supports the acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation that contributes to institutional research excellence.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education.
Applicants must:
- Be an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- Offer degree-granting programmes in science, mathematics, and/or engineering.
Eligible applicants also include:
- University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
For-profit educational institutions are not eligible to apply.
Evaluation Focus
Applications should demonstrate how the proposed equipment or instrumentation will:
- Improve institutional research capabilities.
- Strengthen scientific and engineering research.
- Support education and workforce development.
- Advance research in areas important to national defense.
- Provide long-term research benefits to the institution.
Why This Programme Matters
Access to modern research equipment is essential for advancing scientific discovery and preparing the next generation of researchers.
The programme helps institutions:
- Modernize research laboratories.
- Expand research capacity.
- Strengthen innovation in science and engineering.
- Improve research competitiveness.
- Support advanced education and workforce development.
- Contribute to national defense research priorities.
How to Apply
Eligible institutions should:
- Confirm institutional eligibility.
- Identify research equipment or instrumentation needs.
- Prepare a proposal demonstrating the research and educational value of the requested equipment.
- Develop a detailed project budget.
- Explain how the equipment supports research related to national defense.
- Submit the completed application according to the programme requirements.
Application Tips
- Clearly justify the need for the requested equipment.
- Demonstrate how the equipment will benefit multiple researchers or departments.
- Highlight the impact on scientific research and student training.
- Show alignment with national defense research priorities.
- Present a realistic budget and implementation plan.
- Describe the institution’s ability to manage and maintain the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programmes in science, mathematics, and/or engineering, including University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
What does the programme fund?
The acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation that strengthens research and education.
How much funding is available?
The programme has an estimated budget of USD 28 million, with individual awards ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 3 million.
Are for-profit educational institutions eligible?
No. For-profit educational institutions are not eligible for funding.
What disciplines are supported?
The programme supports science, mathematics, engineering, and other research areas important to national defense.
What is the main objective of DURIP?
The programme aims to strengthen research infrastructure while enhancing the education and training of scientists and engineers working in fields relevant to national defense.
Conclusion
The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) provides significant funding for accredited U.S. higher education institutions to acquire advanced research equipment and instrumentation. By strengthening research infrastructure and supporting scientific education, the programme advances innovation and builds research capacity in areas critical to national defense.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.