FOA number: DE-FOA-0003002
Download the full FOA: FedConnect
FOA Amount: $17,700,000

Background Information

On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced up to $17.7 million in funding toward to support novel, early-stage research and development at eligible U.S. colleges and universities, including creating new academic curricula related to geosciences and supporting interdisciplinary training in humanities-driven science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The funding opportunity is offered through FECM’s University Training and Research program, which includes the University Carbon Research and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions sub-programs. These programs serve to educate and train the next generation of engineers and scientists working to advance integrated solutions key to meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

The University Training and Research program seeks to create research and development opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities and tap into the innovative and diverse thinking of student researchers. The funding provided under this program helps ensure that students are being equipped with cutting-edge, translatable skillsets that will allow them to contribute to the U.S. workforce and greater economy over the course of a longstanding and enduring career.

The deadline to submit applications for this funding opportunity has closed.

Eligibility

The Principal Investigator or a Co-Principal Investigator listed in the application must be a teaching professor at the submitting university. If this condition is met, other participants, Co-Principal Investigators or research staff, who do not hold teaching or student positions may be included as part of the research team.

Applications from university-affiliated research institutions must be submitted through the college or university with which they are affiliated.

At least one (1) student registered at that university is to receive compensation for work performed in the conduct of the research proposed.

The scope of work to be performed by subcontractors may not be more significant than the scope of work to be performed by the applicant.

Areas of Interest

This funding opportunity announcement has five areas of interest:

1. Establishing a visiting scholar program consisting of multi-institution collaborations for student exchanges from minority-serving institutions to conduct research supporting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Supporting humanities-driven science, technology, engineering, and mathematics projects to facilitate interdisciplinary student training and technology development.
3. Developing an academic curriculum exposing students to the field of geosciences to prepare a workforce for critical mineral and materials production.
4. Improving knowledge and understanding of critical minerals and materials in coal-based resources and advancing the knowledge of ionic liquids for use in their recovery.
5. Exploring the technical feasibility and community benefit of repurposing existing energy assets for clean energy and manufacturing to support deep decarbonization. 

Funding

DOE expects to make up to 21 awards between $500,000 to $1,500,000. Cost sharing is not required under this funding opportunity.

Key Dates

Additional Information

• Download the full funding opportunity on FedConnect
• All applicants must register and apply on Grants.gov and submit questions through FedConnect

Last Updated: August 9, 2023