FY26 DEFENSE ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH (DEPSCoR) - RESEARCH COLLABORATION (RC)
The FY26 DEPSCoR Research Collaboration grant offers up to $600,000 over three years to support S&E research by universities in eligible states, aiming to boost DoD-relevant research and infrastructure.
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Due Dates: October 12, 2026: White Paper and Supporting Documentation submission deadline | April 5, 2027: Full Proposal Submission deadline (by invitation only)
Funding Amounts: Up to $600,000 total per award ($200,000/year for 3 years); ~24 awards anticipated; $14.4M total program funding
Summary: Supports basic research collaborations in DoD-relevant science and engineering between new and experienced DoD-funded investigators in eligible states/territories.
Key Information: White Paper submission is mandatory for full proposal eligibility; both PI and mentor must meet strict eligibility rules.
Description
This opportunity supports the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Research Collaboration (RC), funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and managed by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The program's primary aim is to strengthen basic research capacity in science and engineering at institutions of higher education (IHEs) in eligible states and territories, fostering collaborative research projects that align with DoD mission priorities. Each application must be led by a team of two: an Applicant (PI) who is a new DoD investigator and a Collaborator (mentor) with a recent record of DoD research funding. Projects should advance fundamental knowledge in topics relevant to national security and DoD interests as detailed in the solicitation.
