The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now accepting proposals for the prestigious 2022 DOE Office of Science Early Career Research Program, aimed at supporting exceptional scientists in the early stages of their professional journey. This program is a significant opportunity for early career researchers to secure substantial funding for projects within U.S. academic institutions and DOE National Laboratories. Over 60 promising researchers will be selected to receive funding for a five-year period, fostering groundbreaking discoveries and innovation.
This initiative by the DOE Office of Science, the largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the nation, is designed to bolster the careers of scientists who are just beginning to make their mark. The 2022 Early Career Research Program provides not just funding, but also a platform for these researchers to lead impactful projects and contribute significantly to their respective fields.
Eligibility for the 2022 Early Career Research Program
To be eligible for the 2022 program, applicants must meet specific criteria. Researchers at U.S. academic institutions should hold an untenured, tenure-track assistant or associate professor position. For those at DOE national laboratories, full-time employment is required. Furthermore, all applicants must have received their Ph.D. within the ten years preceding the application. This focus on early career stages ensures that the funding supports researchers as they establish their independent research paths.
Substantial Funding for Groundbreaking Research
The financial support offered through the Early Career Research Program is considerable. University awards are structured to average around $750,000 over a five-year period. National laboratory awards are even more substantial, averaging approximately $2,500,000 for the same five-year duration. This funding level is designed to provide a robust foundation for early career researchers to pursue ambitious and innovative research projects.
Diverse Research Areas within DOE Priorities
The DOE Office of Science ensures that the 2022 Early Career Research Program spans a wide array of scientific disciplines. Early career researchers can apply through one of eight program offices within the Office of Science. These include:
- Advanced Scientific Computing Research
- Biological and Environmental Research
- Basic Energy Sciences
- Fusion Energy Sciences
- High Energy Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Accelerator R&D and Production
- Isotope R&D and Production
Proposed research must align with the programmatic priorities of the DOE’s Office of Science, detailed in the program announcements. The selection process is highly competitive, with funding awarded based on rigorous peer review, ensuring that only the most promising and impactful research proposals are supported.
Key Application Deadlines for 2022 Applicants
Prospective applicants for the 2022 Early Career Research Program should take note of the crucial deadlines. The submission of pre-applications is mandatory and was due on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. For those who receive notification encouraging a full proposal, the deadline for full proposal submissions is Thursday, January 20, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. It is essential to adhere to these deadlines to be considered for this prestigious program.
Historically, the Early Career Research Program has consistently supported a significant number of researchers. Over the past 12 years, an average of 42 university and 23 national laboratory awards have been granted annually, highlighting the program’s ongoing commitment to nurturing scientific talent.
For more detailed information about the 2022 Early Career Research Program, including comprehensive application guidelines and specific research priorities, please visit the Office of Science funding opportunities page. This program represents a pivotal opportunity for early career scientists to propel their research and make significant contributions to the scientific community.
