Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP)
Forecasted
Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP) supports defense scientists and engineers through international working exchanges to strengthen military research, development, and acquisition cooperation.
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Two-year tours for Air Force personnel; ad hoc placements funded solely by their initiators
Summary: ESEP supports international working exchanges of defense scientists and engineers to strengthen military research, development, and acquisition cooperation.
Key Information: Exchanges require a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the participating nation.
Description
The Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP) is a Department of Defense effort that promotes international cooperation in military research, development, and acquisition. It places U.S. military and civilian scientists and engineers in allied and friendly governments’ organizations and brings foreign scientists and engineers into U.S. defense establishments for reciprocal on-site working assignments. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s AFOSR/ION manages Air Force placements.
The program aims to broaden participants’ perspectives on research and development methods and build a cadre of internationally experienced professionals who enhance USAF research and development programs. Exchanges provide insight into foreign expertise, organizational structures, production, logistics, testing, and management systems. ESEP also seeks to cultivate future international cooperation and avoid duplication of research efforts.
