Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program
ID: 361022Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Idaho Field Office (DOE-ID)

Award Range

$0 - $800K

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/361022
Timeline
    Description

    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP), which provides grants to support early career faculty at U.S. universities and colleges in the field of nuclear energy research. This program aims to foster innovative research that aligns with the DOE's mission to advance nuclear energy science and technology, focusing on areas such as fuel cycle research and development, reactor concepts, and enabling technologies. The total funding available for this initiative is approximately $3.2 million, with individual awards ranging up to $800,000 over a five-year period, and applications are due by March 3, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    lingarjn@id.doe.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program NOFO Part 1 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf
    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.
    FY 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program NOFO Part 2 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf
    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.
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