The OSU Materials Research Seed Grant Program (MRSGP) is jointly funded and managed by the Center for Emergent Materials (CEM), an NSF MRSEC [NSF DMR-2011876], the Center for Exploration of Novel Complex Materials (ENCOMM), and the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR).
MRSGP is a joint investment by the Center for Emergent Materials (CEM), the Center for Exploration of Novel Complex Materials (ENCOMM), and the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR). Its purpose is simple: to help you launch new research directions and new collaborations that can grow into major external funding. If you have an idea that sits outside your current funded work, or a colleague in another department you have been meaning to team up with, this is the time to start that conversation.
1. Multidisciplinary Team Building Grants (MTBG)
Up to $70,000 in direct costs per year. Requires one PI and one or two Co-PIs (unfunded collaborators welcome). MTBGs are designed to build multidisciplinary teams positioned to compete for federal block funding such as center-scale and MRSEC-type programs.
2. Exploratory Materials Research Grants (EMRG)
Up to $50,000 in direct costs per year. Requires one PI (Co-PIs and unfunded collaborators welcome). EMRGs help nascent, innovative materials research reach the point of a highly competitive external proposal. Open to all faculty, with an emphasis on supporting pre-tenure faculty.
Both tiers fund a 12-month project period.
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 OSU Materials Research Seed Grant Program (MRSGP), a joint initiative of the Center for Emergent Materials (CEM), the Center for Exploration of Novel Complex Materials (ENCOMM), and the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR).
This year's cohort reflects the strength and breadth of materials research at Ohio State, spanning quantum materials, biomaterials, microelectronics, and next-generation energy storage.
