Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science (DOE SC), through its Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, has announced the re-competition of the Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) initiative under Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0003614. This initiative invites applications from multidisciplinary research teams to perform discovery science and use-inspired basic research in key energy-relevant scientific domains. The EFRC program is designed to support integrated and synergistic teams to address complex scientific challenges not feasible through single-investigator projects. The program encourages both new and renewal applicants, with a mandatory pre-application process and defined topic areas derived from BES reports and special topics that align with the DOE mission in energy, environment, and national security. The EFRCs conduct fundamental research across multiple disciplines including materials sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and biosciences. The funding opportunity explicitly excludes applied research and technology development. Applicants must align their proposals with at least one of the identified BES Reports Topics—such as nuclear energy innovation, next-gen electrical energy storage, and quantum computing—or Special Topics like AI/ML integration in material discovery, unconventional computing paradigms using quantum phenomena, emergent chemical systems, and critical minerals and materials. Proposals are expected to be ambitious, forward-looking, and highly collaborative, with strong potential to significantly advance foundational science in these domains. The anticipated total funding across fiscal years is approximately $352 million, with $88 million available annually. Individual awards are expected to range from $3 million to $4.5 million per year, over a standard four-year performance period. Applications should budget for a smaller amount in the first year to account for startup time. While cost sharing is not required, adherence to DOE cost principles and reporting standards is mandatory. Pre-applications are due April 1, 2026, and full applications are due by July 1, 2026. Only applicants who receive an “encouraged” response to their pre-application will be permitted to submit a full application. DOE will notify applicants of the pre-application response by May 6, 2026. Eligible applicants include all domestic organizations except certain 501(c)(4) nonprofits engaged in lobbying. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories are eligible to apply as lead institutions or subrecipients, while other Federal agencies and non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs may participate only as subrecipients under specific interagency arrangements. Individuals at all career stages may be proposed as principal investigators (PIs), provided they have the necessary qualifications and are employed by the applicant organization in a permanent capacity. Institutions are limited to three lead pre-applications, and a single individual may only serve as PI on one proposal. Teams must submit a single, centralized application with any subrecipients identified; collaborative applications submitted separately by each team member will not be accepted. The application process is managed via the DOE's Portfolio Analysis and Management System (PAMS) for pre-applications and Grants.gov for full submissions. Required components include a detailed project narrative, budget justifications, data management plans, facilities and equipment appendices, and standard forms such as SF-424. Applications will be peer-reviewed using a merit-based system evaluating scientific merit, research approach, personnel qualifications, EFRC management plans, data sharing, and budget appropriateness. Funding decisions will also consider program balance, early-career representation, institutional diversity, and prior performance. Award notifications are expected in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, with project start dates likely in August 2026. The EFRC program operates on a four-year award cycle. Though not explicitly stated as annual, the funding structure and past EFRC cycles suggest a recurring model. DOE conducts mid-term progress reviews to evaluate research impact and continuity. Additionally, awardees are expected to participate in EFRC-wide meetings scheduled for 2027 and 2029. The opportunity reflects DOE SC’s commitment to transformative discovery science, integration of computation and AI, and open science principles. The program also emphasizes data sharing, export control compliance, and adherence to environmental and safety policies, reflecting its strategic role in advancing U.S. leadership in foundational energy sciences.

Focus on BES-aligned fundamental research; avoid applied/commercial activities; clearly respond to PRD/PROs or special topics; ensure narrative integration across teams.