Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), through its Idaho Operations Office, has announced the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP), one of its most prestigious awards aimed at supporting the next generation of leaders in nuclear energy research. The DECP is designed to empower untenured assistant professors at U.S. colleges and universities to establish impactful research groups, develop innovative lines of inquiry, and pursue educational strategies that align with the mission of the Office of Nuclear Energy. Through this program, the DOE intends to foster career development and institutional growth, while addressing the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector. The overarching goals of the DECP reflect NE's mission to advance nuclear energy science and technology in support of U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. Applications must demonstrate a strong connection to NE’s mission, which includes supporting existing U.S. nuclear reactors, advancing deployment of new reactors, developing sustainable fuel cycles, and maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technologies. The DOE seeks to fund research that contributes to these objectives through crosscutting and collaborative efforts involving academia and national laboratories, although the DECP restricts direct participation from co-investigators and collaborators. This funding opportunity anticipates awarding approximately four grants, each potentially worth up to $800,000 over a five-year project period. Although cost-sharing is not required, applicants may propose cost share contributions from non-federal sources if desired. Research must be conducted within the United States, and foreign institutions are not eligible to serve as the primary awardee. Only U.S.-based, tenure-track assistant professors—no more than four years into their appointment and ten years from receiving their doctorate—are eligible to apply. These individuals must not have received similar federally funded early career awards, such as those from the National Science Foundation or DOE Office of Science. Applications are expected to integrate high-impact research and educational components, with clear plans for leadership development. The program emphasizes excellence not only in research and teaching but also in service and engagement with the broader nuclear community. All proposals must include a technical volume outlining the research objectives, methods, integration of educational activities, and a timeline of deliverables. Applications must be submitted via the NEUP.gov portal by March 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Pre-application steps, such as registration in SAM.gov and NEUP.gov, are required but do not serve as gating steps to submission. Evaluation of applications will be based on merit review criteria, including the advancement of nuclear knowledge, the strength of integrated research and education plans, and the leadership potential of the applicant. Additionally, proposals must avoid duplicating existing capabilities and remain relevant to NE program areas such as Fuel Cycle R&D, Reactor Concepts RD&D, and Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies. Award announcements are expected by September 30, 2026, and projects are anticipated to begin on February 1, 2027. This opportunity does not recur on a fixed schedule, and future cycles are subject to funding availability and DOE programmatic priorities.

Highlight leadership, integration of research and education, and alignment with NE mission.