WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially announced the recipients of the Early Career Research Program for 2020, awarding significant funding to 76 scientists across the United States. This prestigious program, now in its eleventh year, continues to strengthen the nation’s scientific community by providing crucial support to exceptional researchers in the early stages of their careers. Among the awardees, 26 are from DOE’s national laboratories and 50 are based at U.S. universities, highlighting the breadth and depth of American scientific talent being fostered through this initiative.
“Supporting researchers at this pivotal point in their careers is essential for driving scientific innovation and maintaining American leadership in research and development,” stated Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar. “The 2020 Early Career Research Program is an investment in the future of science, ensuring that bright, dedicated individuals have the resources they need to make groundbreaking discoveries.”
The 2020 early career research program provides substantial financial support, with university-based researchers receiving grants of at least $150,000 per year, and DOE national laboratory researchers awarded at least $500,000 annually. These grants are designed to cover salary and research expenses for a period of five years, enabling researchers to focus on ambitious and impactful projects.
To be considered for the DOE Early Career Research Program, applicants must be untenured, tenure-track assistant or associate professors at a U.S. academic institution, or full-time employees at a DOE national laboratory. Furthermore, they must have received their Ph.D. within the last 10 years. Proposed research projects must align with one of the six major program offices within the DOE Office of Science, which include:
- Advanced Scientific Computing Research
- Basic Energy Sciences
- Biological and Environmental Research
- Fusion Energy Sciences
- High Energy Physics
- Nuclear Physics
The selection process for the 2020 early career research program was highly competitive, with awardees chosen from a large pool of applicants from both universities and national laboratories. Selections were made based on rigorous peer review by leading scientific experts, ensuring that only the most promising and impactful research proposals are funded. The awards announced today represent selections for grant negotiation, and final project details are contingent upon successful grant and contract negotiations between the DOE and the selected researchers.
For a comprehensive list of the 76 awardees, including their institutions and the titles of their research projects, please visit the Early Career Research Program webpage. This webpage offers further details about the program and the groundbreaking research being supported by the DOE’s Office of Science.
