DOE SC hereby invites applications for support under the ECRP in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); Basic Energy Sciences (BES); Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); High Energy Physics (HEP); Nuclear Physics (NP); Isotope Research and Development and Production (DOE IP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research careers in the areas supported by SC.
Closed on Jun 2, 2026
Early Career Research Program (ECRP)
Office of Science · Opportunity number DE-FOA-0003602
Details summarized from the official notice as of Jun 3, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.
Independent platform. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Data from public federal sources.
This opportunity is closed as of Jun 2, 2026.
It is kept here for reference. See the related open opportunities below, or check the official listing in case the agency posts a new cycle.
Key facts
| Opportunity number | DE-FOA-0003602 |
|---|---|
| Agency | Office of Science Department of Energy - Office of Science |
| Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA) | 81.049 |
| Posted | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Deadline | Jun 2, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2,750,000 |
| Award floor | $875,000 |
| Expected number of awards | 100 |
| Estimated total program funding | $145,000,000 |
| Cost sharing or matching required | No |
| Funding type | Grant, Other |
| Category | Science technology and other research and development |
| Last updated here | Jun 3, 2026 |
Summary from the notice
Who can apply
The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:
- Private colleges and universities
- Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
- Public and state colleges and universities
Who should take a closer look
- Colleges and universities
Not listed as eligible
- Small businesses
- Nonprofits
- State governments
- Local governments
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Larger for-profit companies
- Individuals
Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.
Eligibility details from the notice
In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126, Competition, eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. Institutions of Higher Education, DOE/NNSA National Laboratories (listed at https://www.energy.gov/national-laboratories), and institutions operating SC Scientific User Facilities (listed at https://science.osti.gov/User-Facilities).
Registrations you will likely need
Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.
- SAM.gov registration for your organization, which also gives you a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Registration is free.
- A Login.gov account, which Grants.gov uses for sign-in.
- A Grants.gov applicant registration linked to your organization's UEI.
Past awards for this program
Totals for assistance listing 81.049 from public USASpending.gov data, as of Oct 4, 2026. Past awards do not predict future funding.
| Year | Listing | Awards | Total | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81.049 | 8 | $2,614,705,481 | $326,838,185 |
| 2025 | 81.049 | 6 | $2,459,858,607 | $409,976,435 |
| 2024 | 81.049 | 7 | $3,295,941,042 | $470,848,720 |
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