The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $400m in annual funding for research to advance scientific knowledge and lay the groundwork for future technologies and innovation.
The funding will be delivered through the DOE’s Office of Science and supports the government’s Executive Order on “Restoring Gold Standard Science”.
The programme is intended to back rigorous, transparent and mission-driven research while strengthening US science and innovation leadership.
Research funded through the programme will address major scientific challenges across several fields, including advanced scientific computingbasic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, fusion energy sciences, high energy physics, nuclear physics, and isotope research and production.
Speaking on the funding opportunity, DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil said: “Foundational research is where the breakthroughs that shape America’s future begin.
“Through this investment, we are empowering our nation’s researchers to pursue bold ideas, push the boundaries of discovery, and build the scientific foundations for tomorrow’s technologies – strengthening America’s global leadership in science and innovation.”
Funding spans major research programmes
The DOE’s Office of Science is the largest US supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. It funds research at hundreds of universities across the country and oversees 10 national laboratories.
The latest funding opportunity supports research that falls outside more specific funding calls issued by the Office of Science during fiscal year 2027.
Known informally as the “Open Call”, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued annually at the beginning of each fiscal year, allowing research institutions to seek support for projects across the Office of Science’s wider portfolio.
Why the US is strengthening science and innovation
The scale and breadth of the programme reflect the US Government’s focus on maintaining its position in scientific and technological research.
By supporting fundamental research across universities, national laboratories and multiple scientific disciplines, the DOE aims to create the knowledge base needed for future discoveries and technologies.
The funding also links scientific research to areas identified as important to America’s future, from computing and energy to nuclear physics and fusion.
The programme therefore places science and innovation at the centre of efforts to strengthen US scientific and technological leadership, while providing researchers with funding for work that may not fit within narrower, topic-specific programmes.
Applications open through annual funding call
The $400m opportunity will provide a route for institutions to apply for research support during fiscal year 2027.
Through its broad scope, the DOE says the funding will help advance scientific discovery while addressing some of the major challenges facing the US.
Source: www.innovationnewsnetwork.com
