WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to launch a new Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP). This prestigious program through the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) will support extraordinary faculty members as they embark on lifetimes of transformative research, education, and leadership aligned with the Office of Nuclear Energy mission.

Up to four $625,000 awards will be granted through this FOA, each with a five-year duration. The program, totaling $2.5 million, aims to recognize distinguished researchers at the pivotal initial stage of their careers and to support high-impact contributions to nuclear energy research, innovation, discovery, leadership, and dissemination of knowledge.

“The new Distinguished Early Career Program is designed to foster the next generation of faculty, their students, and their innovations for advancing nuclear energy and decarbonizing our planet.” said Dr. Kathryn Huff, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy

DOE is soliciting applications that propose novel research with the potential to advance the nuclear energy mission. DOE invites creative approaches to integrating research, education, and service that nurture the reciprocal relationship among these activities toward impactful discoveries, technological advancements, and student outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to focus on research pivotal to DOE-NE mission areas. Applicants must be untenured assistant or associate professors on the tenure track. Applicants from underrepresented minority groups, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged apply. The deadline for applications is February 2, 2022.

More information on the Office of Nuclear Energy and its programs can be found here.

News Media Contact: (202) 586-4940/DOENews@hq.doe.gov