Early Career Research Program (ECRP)
The DOE Office of Science offers grants to support early-career scientists developing independent research in key scientific fields like energy, physics, and computing.
Funder: Office of Science
Due Dates: March 24, 2026: Pre-Application submission deadline (5:00 PM ET) | June 2, 2026: Full application submission deadline (11:59 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $875,000 (higher ed), $2,750,000 (national labs/user facilities), over 5 years; ~100 awards; total program funding ~$145 million.
Summary: Supports outstanding early career scientists in developing independent research programs in DOE Office of Science mission areas.
Description
The Early Career Research Program (ECRP) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science provides substantial support to outstanding early career scientists at U.S. academic institutions, DOE national laboratories, and Office of Science user facilities. The program aims to foster the development of individual research programs and stimulate research careers in areas aligned with the Office of Science’s mission, including energy, physical sciences, computing, and the environment. Research must align with one of the Office of Science’s program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, or Isotope R&D and Production.
