Fiscal Year 2026 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

The Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) Phase II Continuation Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is a competitive funding announcement issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Idaho Operations Office. It supports the continuation of high-quality university-led nuclear research projects previously funded through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP). This funding opportunity is designed to extend promising research pathways that align with the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE) strategic goals and national mission. The initiative builds upon past research investments by encouraging innovative, impactful research that strengthens U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technologies and supports the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. The FY26 CINR Phase II Continuation program specifically targets U.S. universities and colleges that are currently concluding active CINR-funded projects. Eligible projects must have original CINR awards ending between January 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026. Research consortia may include a diverse range of collaborators including national laboratories, industry, and international institutions, although no federal funds will be distributed to foreign organizations. The primary focus areas for funded projects must tie directly to one or more of NE’s mission priorities: enabling continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors, deploying advanced nuclear reactors, developing advanced nuclear fuel cycles, and maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy. The NOFO includes a single topic area and offers approximately $3,000,000 in FY26 funding to support 0–4 new awards. Individual awards may range from $300,000 to $1,000,000 for a two-year period of performance. While cost sharing is not required under this NOFO, applicants are encouraged to include cost share proposals, which must be sourced from non-federal funds and clearly documented. Additional optional funding is available through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) supplement program, with a total pool of $200,000 available. The REU component supports student engagement in nuclear energy research, encouraging broader participation and helping cultivate the future workforce. To apply, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by January 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full application due on May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Submission must be made through the NEUP.gov portal, not Grants.gov. The LOI is mandatory and must include basic project information, proposed personnel and partners, and a brief description of the intended research. The full application must include several standardized documents such as the SF-424 R&R, a technical narrative (not exceeding 10 pages), project summary/abstract, transition plan, REU plan (if applicable), resumes for key personnel, and current and pending support disclosures. Proposals will be reviewed using DOE’s merit review process, which includes compliance checks, technical merit evaluation, programmatic relevance, and other selection factors. Evaluation criteria emphasize the project's technical soundness, relevance to NE goals, strength of team qualifications, and management capabilities. Selected applicants will be notified by September 30, 2026, with an anticipated award start date of February 1, 2027. All research under this award must be conducted in the United States, and recipients must publish results on the DOE’s Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) site. This opportunity does not support projects in areas outside NE’s mission, such as fusion energy, medical physics, or environmental management. Furthermore, participation by entities of concern as defined by federal law is strictly prohibited. With this continuation funding, DOE seeks to maintain momentum for impactful nuclear research and ensure that the U.S. continues to innovate and lead in nuclear energy technologies and education.

Ensure proposed scope clearly builds on current CINR work; tie research to NE mission; strong REU integration is advantageous.