Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program

The Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003540 for the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP). This program offers grants up to $800,000 over five years to support early career faculty at U.S. universities and colleges in nuclear energy research, education, and leadership. The NOFO emphasizes innovative research to advance nuclear energy science and technology, addressing areas like fuel cycle R&D, reactor concepts, and nuclear energy enabling technologies. Eligibility is restricted to untenured assistant professors within specific timeframes post-doctorate, who have not received similar federal early career awards. Applications are due by March 3, 2026, and must include a technical volume, career objective statement, and endorsement letter, adhering to strict formatting and content requirements. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of nuclear energy innovators.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003540 for the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP). This program, open to U.S. universities and colleges, aims to provide stable support to early career faculty members to establish impactful research groups and drive innovation in nuclear energy. The NOFO offers approximately $3.2 million, with 0-4 awards ranging up to $800,000 each over a five-year period. Key eligibility criteria include the principal investigator being an untenured assistant professor no more than four years beyond appointment and ten years beyond their doctorate as of January 2026, and not having received similar federal early career awards. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Applications are due by March 3, 2026, and must align with NE's mission areas, including Fuel Cycle R&D, Reactor Concepts R&D, and Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies. The application process requires online submission via NEUP.gov and adherence to specific content and formatting guidelines.