Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

The Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports research aimed at advancing nuclear energy science and technology to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic goals. The FOA is structured to fund innovative research projects that align with the key mission areas of the DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), including maintaining and optimizing existing nuclear reactors, deploying new nuclear reactors, securing the nuclear fuel cycle, and fostering international nuclear energy cooperation. The funding opportunity is open to U.S. universities, national laboratories, and industry, focusing on three distinct research areas: university-led research and development (R&D) projects, integrated research projects (IRPs), and access-only projects to the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF). The announcement includes additional opportunities for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplements, which promote the inclusion of undergraduate students in nuclear energy research projects. The overall budget for this FOA includes approximately $60 million for university-led R&D projects, $6 million for university-led IRPs, and $5 million for NSUF Access-Only projects. Specific funding limits per project depend on the type of research being proposed, with the maximum award for R&D projects set at $1 million and IRPs at $3 million. Projects that incorporate REU components can receive additional funding of up to $100,000. Eligibility is restricted to domestic institutions, including universities, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and governmental agencies. Projects may include collaborations with national laboratories and international partners, though no U.S. funding can be allocated to foreign entities or governments. Additionally, proposals must align with DOE's Justice40 initiative, which aims to ensure that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Applicants must meet specific deadlines for the submission of letters of intent (LOIs), pre-applications, and full applications. The review process involves multiple stages, including relevancy, merit, feasibility, and readiness reviews. Successful applicants are expected to contribute to NE’s goal of advancing nuclear technology, fostering innovation, and addressing critical challenges in the nuclear energy sector.