U.S. Department of Energy Invests $320 Million in Pioneering Scientific Research

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today, at the Office of Science Advisory Committee meeting, investments in fundamental scientific research and technology development across a wide range of disciplines in the physical sciences. These awards, totaling over $320 million, will support 217 university and industry projects aimed at expanding the frontiers of knowledge and addressing critical science and technology needs. The awards span materials science, nuclear and particle physics, fusion energy, quantum information science, and more. 

"The Department of Energy is the nation's largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences, and these investments will strengthen the nation's scientific and technological leadership," said DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil. “The range and depth of scientific inquiry and discovery that these awards will make possible will provide dividends for America for years and decades to come.” 

The funded projects span: 

• Materials Science and Engineering: Research focuses on developing and understanding novel materials, including advanced alloys, metal-organic frameworks, two-dimensional materials, and high-performance polymer materials. Projects study synthesis, characterization, defect control, and behavior under various conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, with applications in areas such as energy storage, microelectronics, quantum information science, and structural components. 
• Plasma and Fusion Science: Research is dedicated to understanding and controlling high-temperature plasmas for the development of fusion energy. This includes studies of plasma confinement, stability, turbulence, and plasma-material interactions in devices such as tokamaks and stellarators. Payments are made for milestones achieved under the Fusion Milestone Development Program. 
• Nuclear and Particle Physics: This research encompasses investigations into the fundamental structure of matter, from subatomic particles like quarks and gluons to atomic nuclei. Research includes studies of the strong nuclear force, nuclear reactions, properties of exotic nuclei, and searches for dark matter and new physics beyond the Standard Model. Advanced theoretical frameworks, computational methods, and experimental techniques are employed to explore these phenomena. 
• Chemical and Molecular Sciences: Projects explore fundamental aspects of chemistry and molecular interactions, including chemical and structural dynamics, molecular spectroscopy, and catalysis. Efforts are directed at understanding electron transfer processes, the behavior of molecules at interfaces, and enhancing efficiency of chemical conversions. 
• Quantum Information Science and Advanced Computing: Projects focus on developing new paradigms for computing, sensing, and communication by leveraging quantum mechanics and advanced computational methods. Research covers quantum algorithms, quantum chaos theory, and quantum entanglement. 
• Advanced Sensors and Materials for Nuclear Reactors and Nuclear Nonproliferation Compliance: These projects involve the development of advanced sensors for next generation nuclear reactors, augmented reality for nuclear reactor operator training, advanced cladding for nuclear fuel, and improved detection techniques to monitor nuclear nonproliferation compliance.  
• Cross-Disciplinary Conferences and Workshops: Support is also provided for scientific meetings that bring together researchers to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional development of early-career scientists. 

The Department of Energy and the Office of Science continue to expand the scientific and technological foundations necessary to meet national energy, economic, and security needs. Total funding for these awards is $320 million for projects lasting up to 5 years in duration, with $174 million in FY 2026 and prior year funding. Outyear funding is contingent on congressional appropriations. The list of projects can be found here.  

Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding.  Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.