Sponsor Overview
U.S. Department ofEnergy supports research addressing energy, climate, high-performance computing, physical sciences, and related workforce and infrastructure needs. The DOE Office of Science is the largest federal funder of basic research in the physical sciences and supports university and national laboratory collaborations. Its mission is to deliver scientific discoveries and major scientific tools to transform our understanding of nature and advance the energy, economic, and national security of the United States.
Is DOE a good fit for your project?
- Your work aligns with DOE Office of Science program areas (e.g., Basic Energy Sciences, Biological & Environmental Research, Advanced Scientific Computing Research).
- You can articulate a clear program alignment and, where relevant, a plan for national laboratory collaboration or facility use.
- You are prepared for FOA-specific structures (letters of intent, pre-applications, or facility access requirements) and DOE administrative expectations.
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Key Programs
- Office of Science Financial Assistance Program: Open, year-round solicitation covering major Office of Science research areas; check the current NOFO for instructions
- Early Career Research Program: Five-year awards to exceptional early career researchers to stimulate new research directions in mission critical areas
- Advanced Scientific Computing Research: Program aimed at developing computers and networks at the leading edge of technology
- Basic Energy Sciences: Supports fundamental research in materials sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and related areas underpinning energy technologies
- Biological and Environmental Research: Funds research on biological systems and earth and environmental processes relevant to energy production, sustainability, and climate
- DOE EPSCoR: Capacity-building and competitiveness investments for eligible jurisdictions (Alabama is eligible)
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Essential Resources
- Office of Sponsored Activities: Entry point for Office of Science grant process and guidance
- Funding Opportunity Announcements: Current FOAs, templates, webinars, FAQs, and key dates
- Regulatory framework: 10 CFR Part 605 (and incorporation of 2 CFR 200 via DOE rules): Defines policies/procedures for DOE Office of Science grants and cooperative agreements.
- National Laboratories: These laboratories execute long-term government missions and develop unique scientific capabilities that often extend beyond the scope of academic and industrial institutions.
- 10 CFR Part 605 (Office of Science Financial Assistance Program)
- User Facilities: Open‑access scientific facilities at DOE national laboratories available to university researchers through peer‑reviewed proposal processes
- Universities & Partnerships: Overview of how universities engage with the Office of Science through grants, facilities access, workforce programs, and partnerships
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UAB Supports
The Research Development Office offers robust support for faculty seeking DOE funding, including funding mechanism identification and assessment, proposal ideation or draft review, multi-PI team development and proposal project management, and limited submission coordination where applicable. Faculty are encouraged to contact our office with any requests for support, and we connect you with available resources.
Another resource, Alabama EPSCoR, coordinates EPSCoR activities statewide, supporting collaborative research, infrastructure, and workforce development. UAB faculty engage through multi‑institutional initiatives, graduate training support, and statewide priority‑setting, with Alabama EPSCoR administering opportunities such as DOE EPSCoR for DOE‑aligned research and capacity building.