Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs)

The Department of Energy's Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, is re-competing the Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) program, soliciting both new and renewal applications. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003614 aims to support multi-disciplinary teams conducting discovery and use-inspired basic research addressing scientific challenges in materials, chemical, geosciences, and biosciences. The total anticipated funding is $352 million, with $88 million available annually for four-year awards ranging from $3 million to $4.5 million per year. A pre-application is mandatory by April 1, 2026, followed by a full application deadline of July 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include domestic entities (excluding specific non-profits), with limitations on submissions to no more than three pre-applications/applications as the lead institution and one PI role per individual. The research must align with specified BES Report Topics or Special Topics, avoiding applied research or technology development. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003614 for the re-competition of the Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) program. This NOFO encourages both new and renewal applications from multi-disciplinary teams for discovery science and use-inspired basic research addressing scientific challenges in materials sciences, chemical sciences, geosciences, and biosciences. The total anticipated funding is $352 million, with $88 million available annually, supporting awards of $3 million to $4.5 million per year for a four-year period. Applications must propose fundamental scientific research, explicitly excluding applied research and technology development. Pre-applications are required by April 1, 2026, with full applications due by July 1, 2026. Eligibility extends to all domestic applicants, with specific guidelines for federally affiliated entities. The NOFO details scientific topics in two categories: BES Report Topics and Special Topics, each with specific priority research directions and opportunities. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 3, 2026. The program emphasizes integrated, multi-disciplinary teams and open science practices, with a strong focus on scientific impact and knowledge dissemination.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program is seeking applications for its Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) program, focusing on fundamental scientific research by multi-disciplinary teams. A total of $352 million, with $88 million annually, is anticipated for awards ranging from $3 million to $4.5 million per year for four years. Both new and renewal applications are encouraged, addressing "BES Report Topics" or "Special Topics" related to areas like quantum phenomena, AI/ML for materials science, complex chemical systems, and critical minerals. A pre-application is required by April 1, 2026, followed by a full application deadline of July 1, 2026. Eligibility extends to all domestic applicants except certain lobbying nonprofit organizations, with specific guidelines for federally affiliated entities. The program emphasizes integrated, team-based science and the dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The Department of Energy's Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, has issued Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number DE-FOA-0003614, Amendment 000001, for the re-competition of the Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) program. This NOFO seeks new and renewal applications from multi-disciplinary teams for discovery science and use-inspired basic research addressing scientific challenges in materials, chemical, geosciences, and biosciences. The total anticipated funding is $352 million, with $88 million available annually, supporting 4-year awards ranging from $3 million to $4.5 million per year. Eligible applicants include all domestic entities except certain lobbying nonprofit organizations, with specific guidelines for DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, FFRDCs, and other federal agencies. Pre-applications are required by April 1, 2026, and full applications by July 1, 2026. The program emphasizes fundamental scientific research, excluding applied research and technology development. Research topics fall into two categories: BES Report Topics (addressing priority research directions from specific reports) and Special Topics (including controlling quantum phenomena, AI/ML models for discovery science, emergent phenomena of complex chemical systems, and fundamental science for critical minerals and materials). Multi-institutional teams must submit a single application from a lead institution, with subrecipients. The NOFO details application content, submission requirements, review criteria, and post-award administration.