Building EPSCoR-State/National Laboratory Partnerships

Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has initiated the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to enhance the capabilities of designated states and territories in conducting nationally competitive energy-related research. This funding opportunity aims to build partnerships between EPSCoR jurisdictions and DOE National Laboratories, advancing fundamental, early-stage energy research collaborations. Participation by undergraduate students, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows is required. Early career faculty from EPSCoR jurisdictions are encouraged to apply. The program seeks to leverage the capabilities of DOE user facilities.

Grant Details
The grant supports fundamental research collaborations that must include an academic institution and a strong component of student participation. Applications should propose research relevant to program areas in the Office of Science or Applied Energy Offices, including Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR), Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), High Energy Physics (HEP), Nuclear Physics (NP), Isotope R&D and Production, Cybersecurity, Electricity, Environmental Management, Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, and Nuclear Energy. The expected total available funding is $35 million with approximately 30-35 awards anticipated at $1 million each over a project period of 4 years. All research must be performed in an EPSCoR jurisdiction or at a DOE National Laboratory.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic entities from specific EPSCoR jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Non-profit organizations and for-profit applicants must include academic institutions from these jurisdictions as part of their team. Individuals proposed as Principal Investigators must have the necessary skills and resources; citizenship is not required but all personnel must have legal rights to work in the jurisdiction.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for awards is approximately 4 years. New applicants should prepare budgets starting on August 1st 2026 with subsequent budget periods lasting 10 months each.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity is $35 million with individual awards expected to be around $1 million each.

Place of Performance
Research must be conducted within EPSCoR jurisdictions or at DOE National Laboratories.