The Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program creates a pathway for you to advance your PhD thesis research while working at a Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory, collaborating with world-class scientists, and using state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge scientific instrumentation. While maximizing the impact of your own research, you will also expand your professional network and develop new opportunities for your future.

The expertise, resources, and capabilities available at DOE National Laboratories and User Facilities are a combination not found anywhere else in the country. The unique opportunity to participate in the SCGSR program supports the goal to develop a new generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts who are critically important to the DOE Office of Science mission.

To better understand the impact and experience of SCGSR, read our highlighted SCGSR research projects and learn about the program's robust support and history.

Applying to SCGSR?

  1. Learn all about SCGSR: Check out our resources to understand the eligibility, participant obligations, and benefits of SCGSR. 
  2. Verify dates: As you prepare to apply, check out the key dates to determine the time frame that best matches your research needs. 
  3. Review the SCGSR application processes and requirements: Your application will require collaboration with a DOE National Laboratory scientist and coordination with your PhD thesis advisor. If you need help identifying a collaborating scientist, check out this running list of scientists who are ready to collaborate with SCGSR awardees—or contact us if none of the scientists on this list are a good match for your research. Be sure to closely review the application requirements, video guides and FAQ resource to help compile your required components, including transcripts, proof of PhD candidacy, letters of support, and the priority research areas and merit review criteria. 
  4. Attend an SCGSR Application Assistance Workshop: Sign up for our next “how to apply” workshop to answer your questions and help empower you during the application process. 
  5. Apply: You’re ready to apply! You should have all the details you need and the resources required to create a competitive and compelling SCGSR application.

Quote reading: "I have often compared lab experience to trying to learn a foreign language taking classes versus going to the native speaking country and being forced to learn through immersion." Zack Hall, SCGSR 2022 S1 AwardeeAbout the SCGSR program
The SCGSR program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), in collaboration with the six Office of Science research programs, two R&D and production programs, and the DOE National Laboratories and User Facilities. Online application and awards administration support is provided by Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE) under Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).

The SCGSR program provides supplemental funds for U.S. graduate awardees (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) to conduct part of their PhD thesis research at a host DOE laboratory/facility in collaboration with a DOE National Laboratory scientist within a defined award period. Collaborating DOE National Laboratory scientists may be from any of the participating DOE National Laboratories and User Facilities. The award period for the proposed research project may range from 3 to 12 consecutive months.