Office of Science Priority Research Areas for SCGSR Program

Priority Research Areas for SCGSR 2025 Solicitation 1

It is an Eligibility Requirement that applicants to the DOE SCGSR Program must be pursuing graduate research aligned with one or more of the Priority Research Areas for a specific solicitation call. The applicant’s proposed SCGSR research project to be conducted at a DOE laboratory must address stated aims in at least one of the priority areas listed for that solicitation.

The priority research areas for SCGSR 2025 Solicitation 1 consist of both convergence research topics of interest to multiple Office of Science (SC) program offices and those primarily from one SC program office. The SC program offices include: 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), and Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP). A brief overview of the Office of Science SCGSR program is available here, and detailed information about a specific program office can be found at the Office of Science website (https://science.osti.gov/Programs).

Descriptions below are provided to help understand the scope and focus of each priority area for SCGSR 2025 Solicitation1. Please note: some areas have exclusions. Applicants must identify in the online application system which listed priority research area their proposed SCGSR research project is most aligned with. It is strongly recommended that applicants carefully read the full descriptions of priority areas of consideration and consult with the SCGSR program, if necessary, before making a final selection. Applications with a proposed research project that does not explicitly address an Office of Science research priority area and/or does not make specific reference to the stated aims of one of the listed areas below will NOT be considered.

I. Convergence Research Topical Areas

Introduction

The call for SCGSR applications on convergence research topics encourages forward-looking ideas, innovative concepts, and exploratory approaches that reflect the DOE Office of Science’s emerging areas and strategic priorities through collaboration across existing disciplinary boundaries. Convergence research topics, by nature, bring together people from different academic disciplines and/or different sub-areas represented in the Office of Science, and are formed for achievements possible only through such integration. People from different disciplinary cultures intermingle on, and benefit from, different perspectives, languages, knowledge, theories, methods, and tools, in the pursuit of shared research interests and challenges. Their integration on multiple dimensions and at multiple scales may give birth to new disciplines, frameworks, and approaches that bring about profound, long-lasting impact on multiple communities. For proposed SCGSR research projects, the combination of different talents is expected to be expressly cross-cutting to achieve an advance specifically enabled by transdisciplinary efforts. The basic research team for an SCGSR project consists of a graduate student, the primary graduate thesis advisor, and a collaborating DOE laboratory scientist at the DOE host laboratory. Due to the convergent nature of the research topics in this Section, it is required that the team members come from different disciplinary backgrounds (including different sub-areas represented in the Office of Science), or at least that the graduate student and his/her collaborating DOE laboratory scientist be from different disciplines. Furthermore, it is encouraged to engage other DOE laboratory scientists from different disciplines, as necessary, during the project period and beyond.

Training graduate students at the convergence of multiple- and trans-disciplinary scientific discoveries and communities has been identified as a top priority for U.S. workforce development. Since its inception in 2014, the SCGSR program has demonstrated strength in preparing graduate students for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) careers of critical importance to the DOE Office of Science mission through extended graduate research residence at DOE national laboratories and facilities. The inherent inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of the team science culture and world-class scientific facilities at national laboratories nurtures a workforce development ecosystem that readily addresses transdisciplinary research challenges of national importance. The graduate training opportunities in convergence research topical areas at national laboratories are expected to help accelerate graduate students’ research and professional growth through access to multiple disciplinary talents and resources, and to prepare graduate students for careers in cutting-edge transdisciplinary research fields.

The Department of Energy's Office of Science supports a broad spectrum of basic research endeavors, from fundamental studies within a single academic discipline to collaborations involving multiple disciplines at both domestic and international scales. The convergence research topical areas shown here represent cross-cutting research themes and shared interests across the Office of Science’s research program offices. Each area shown below is associated with research interests from at least two or more Office of Science program offices. SCGSR applications submitted to one of the following convergence research areas must address research topic(s) of interest to at least two of the participating DOE Office of Science’s programs for that area, and are subject to evaluation by the relevant program offices. Based on the evaluation of proposed research focus and scope, an SCGSR application selecting one of the convergence research areas may be considered better aligned with one of the non-convergence research areas and be subject to further evaluation in a non-convergence research area under an Office of Science program office in this solicitation. If applicants are not certain if they should submit an application to a convergence area in this section or a non-convergence area under a single Office of Science’s program office, it is recommended to submit the application to the convergence area first.

The convergence research topical areas for the SCGSR program include:

(a) Microelectronics (Participating Programs: ASCR, BES, HEP, and NP)

The Department of Energy’s Office of Science programs have always been at the cutting edge of microelectronics, both as a consumer and as an engine of scientific understanding that has enabled many of the technological breakthroughs adopted by industry. This has driven transformative advances in microelectronics for the challenging demands of DOE’s high-performance computing, scientific user facilities, and discovery science experiments. Today, the end of Moore’s Law, along with the emergence of new computing and sensing workloads and rapidly expanding data volumes, have resulted in an unprecedented need and opportunity to “redesign” the microelectronics innovation process to continue to satisfy the ever growing demands. In addition, greatly improved microelectronics are needed for the nation’s electricity grid if it is to be energy-efficient, resilient to natural phenomena and intentional attack, and agile in adapting to fluctuations in power demand and generation. Sustained and rapid progress in microelectronics science and technology from millivolt to megavolt scales is thus essential if we are to continue pushing the boundaries of science within DOE and, more significantly, to continue to lead the global information and power technology revolution.

In this context, the term “microelectronics” is used broadly to refer to semiconductors and related materials, processing chemistries, design, fabrication, packaging, sensors, devices, integrated circuits, processors, computing paradigms and architectures, modeling and simulation, software tools, and related technologies. To enable continued advances in sensing, computing, communication, networking, and power technologies, a fundamental rethinking is needed of the science behind the materials and chemistries, synthesis and fabrication, device physics, energy efficiency, architectures, algorithms, and software. These advances must be developed collectively in a spirit of co-design, where each scientific discipline informs and engages the other to achieve orders-of-magnitude improvements in system-level performance. Co-design involves multi-disciplinary collaboration that takes into account the interdependencies among material properties, device physics, architectures, and the software stack for developing the microelectronics systems of the future.

Applications should embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to address DOE’s microelectronics needs in the areas of computing, instrumentation for scientific user facilities and discovery science experiments, and power grid management.

Relevant topics are outlined in the priority research directions from the Basic Research Needs for Microelectronics Workshop report (https://science.osti.gov/-/media/bes/pdf/reports/2019/BRN_Microelectronics_rpt.pdf).

EXCLUSIONS: Activities that focus on Quantum Information Science or Quantum Computing will NOT be considered for the microelectronics convergence area (but see the quantum-information-science convergence area below as well as related topical areas under ASCR, BES, HEP, and NP).

(b) Data Science (Participating Programs: ASCR, BES, BER, FES, HEP, and NP)

Data science combines computer science, applied mathematics, and statistics with domain science to discover new knowledge from often complex (such as unstructured or heterogenous) data sets generated from experimental and/or computational studies. As part of data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods are rapidly evolving and leading to more accurate predictions and trustworthy decisions and actions. Thus, these methods are being applied widely in society. Data science has already had an impact in areas such as the chemical and materials sciences as well as bioinformatics, medicine, drug discovery, systems control, geophysics, astronomy, and particle physics. Many opportunities still remain for data science to accelerate the rate of fundamental discovery.

The DOE SC programs express their interest in receiving applications that focus on innovative applications of modern data science approaches (artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, etc.) and/or approaches to data capture and management that would enable data science for cutting-edge research relevant to the Office of Science. A priority outcome from this research should be increased capture, integration, and use of scientific data relevant to SC research and database interoperability to develop novel, robust, data-driven, hypothesis-based models that lead to improved understanding and advancement of energy research. The proposed research activities, for example, may entail novel data science approaches to enable real-time control of experiments through feedback from predictive simulations and data models, or the unleashing and enhancement of high-value DOE research data in ways that are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) by other researchers. Research activities that align with the SC Public Reusable Research (PuRe) Data Resources initiative and engage the data repositories, knowledge bases, and analysis platforms it supports, are encouraged. Use of data models should fill knowledge gaps, correct erroneous predictions based on existing models, extract knowledge from noisy data, and ideally extrapolate beyond the range of the available datasets.

EXCLUSIONS: Quantum computing or quantum systems for quantum information science (but see the quantum-information-science convergence area below as well as related topics under ASCR, BES, HEP, and NP); ‘omics’ data and systems biology approaches; applied research, such as design or optimization of instruments, devices, or tools; areas covered already in the topics for ASCR, BES, BER, FES, HEP, and NP.

(c) Quantum Information Science (Participating Programs: ASCR, BER, HEP, and NP)

The study and application of Quantum Information Science (QIS) is an emergent field with broad applications to SC programs. The aim of the DOE SC’s QIS initiative is to foster technological advancement of QIS research with impact on discovery science across the SC portfolio of research. The QIS Convergence Topic supports the “science first” approach of the National Quantum Strategy, for example through partnerships with the multidisciplinary National QIS Research Centers.

Applications to this convergence topic should span multiple scientific or engineering disciplines and propose QIS research and technology development that extends the scientific reach of existing SC programs well beyond what is currently achievable; or uses experimental or theoretical techniques to improve the theoretical and practical capabilities and limitations of complex quantum systems. If applicants are not certain if they should submit an application to this convergence area or a non-convergence area under a single program office, it is recommended to submit the application to the convergence area on Quantum Information Science first. Applications submitted under the convergence area that are not accepted as a convergence area application will still have the chance to be considered in a non-convergence area/topic on QIS under a single program if the proposed research addresses the interest of that program.

(d) Accelerator Science (Participating Programs: ASCR, BES, BER, FES, HEP, NP, DOE IP, and ARDAP)

Today, particle beams from over 30,000 accelerators worldwide play an important role in scientific discovery and in application areas ranging from diagnosing and treating disease to powering industrial processes. To remain competitive for accelerator innovation, a sustained, cross-disciplinary effort on advancing the basic science is required. In 2008, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science has launched an initiative to encourage breakthroughs in accelerator science and their translation into applications for the nation’s health, prosperity, and security. Moreover, vibrant research areas/topics have been established in multiple research programs under the DOE Office of Science (such as BES, FES, HEP, NP, DOE IP, and ARDAP), and funding has been provided for research and development activities in DOE national laboratories and universities nationwide. Continued U.S. innovation and leadership in basic accelerator research and in the areas of energy, environment and national security, rests on the next generation of accelerator scientists. DOE national laboratories host a comprehensive suite of world-class accelerator facilities and detector laboratories, as well as provide training opportunities that are not always available in a university setting. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of graduate research and training opportunities at DOE national laboratories in the area of Accelerator Science.

Applications submitted to the convergence research area on Accelerator Science must address research topic(s) of interest to at least two of the participating DOE Office of Science’s programs (ASCR, BES, BER, FES, HEP, NP, DOE IP, and ARDAP). Please refer to the description of the non-convergence area/topic on Accelerator/Detector R&D under a single SC program office for specific topics of interest. If applicants are not certain if they should submit an application to this convergence area or a non-convergence area under a single program office, it is recommended to submit the application to the convergence area on Accelerator Science first. Applications submitted under the convergence area that are not accepted as a convergence area application will still have the chance to be considered in a non-convergence area/topic on Accelerator/Detector R&D under a single program if the proposed research addresses the interest of that program.

II. Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)

The mission of the Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program is to advance applied mathematics and computer sciencec, deliver the most sophisticated computational scientific applications in partnership with disciplinary science, advance computing and networking capabilities, and develop future generations of computing hardware and software tools for science and engineering in partnership with the research community, including U.S. industry. The strategy to accomplish this has two thrusts: developing and maintaining world-class computing and network facilities for science; and advancing research in applied mathematics, computer science and advanced networking.

ASCR supports cross-disciplinary research in which other domains of scientific inquiry may provide the data to provide use-cases for computer scientists and applied mathematicians to devise generalized methods, models, algorithms and tools. ASCR’s interest in these fields is not to solve the specific problems in other scientific domains but to use those challenges to advance the state of the art and increase knowledge in its fields of research.

The priority areas for ASCR include the following:

Developing mathematical models, methods and algorithms to accurately describe and predict the behavior of complex systems involving processes that span vastly different time and/or length scales;
Advancing key areas of computer science that
- Enable the design and development of extreme scale computing systems and their effective use in the path to scientific discoveries and
- Transform extreme scale data from experiments and simulations into scientific insight;
Advancing key areas of computational science and discovery that support the missions of SC through mutually beneficial partnerships;
Developing and deploying forefront computational, networking and collaboration tools and facilities that enable scientists worldwide to work together to extend the frontiers of science.

The computing resources and high-speed networks required to meet SC needs exceed the state of the art by a significant margin. Furthermore, the system software, algorithms, software tools and libraries, programming models; and distributed software environments needed to accelerate scientific discovery through modeling and simulation are often beyond the realm of commercial interest. To establish and maintain DOE’s modeling and simulation leadership in scientific areas that are important to its mission, ASCR operates leadership computing facilities, a high-performance production computing center, and a high-speed network, implementing a broad base research portfolio in applied mathematics, computer and network sciences, and computational science to solve complex problems on computational resources at the exascale and beyond.

SCGSR proposals directed to ASCR specifically should align with one or more of our research topics, as outlined below. SCGSR proposals meant to attract ASCR interest in convergence areas should also make the case for advancing ASCR's mission. For example, a proposal in microelectronics could outline how the research might lead to future computing hardware that would run scientific codes faster.

The ASCR subprograms and their objectives follow.

(a) Applied Mathematics

This subprogram supports basic research leading to fundamental mathematical advances and computational breakthroughs across DOE and SC missions. Important areas of basic research include novel algorithms for the scalable solution of linear and non-linear equations, optimization, numerical methods for modeling multiphysics problems that span a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, uncertainty quantification in simulation, innovative approaches to large data sets, and foundational research in scientific machine learning and artificial intelligence.

EXCLUSIONS: Development and/or implementation of existing numerical methods to a specific application is NOT within the scope of this program, no matter how challenging the application.

(b) Computer Science

The Computer Science research program supports research that enables computing and networking at extreme scales and the understanding of extreme scale, or complex data from both simulations and experiments. It aims to make high-performance scientific computers and networks highly productive and efficient to solve scientific challenges while attempting to reduce domain-science application complexity as much as possible. The computer-science program does this in the context of sharp increases in the heterogeneity and complexity of computing systems, the need to seamlessly and intelligently integrate simulation, data analysis, and other tasks into coherent and usable workflows, and the challenges posed by novel computing platforms such as neuromorphic systems. Priority interests for the program include data management, analysis, and visualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, surrogate modeling, graph analytics, storage systems and I/O for high-performance computing, programming models for emerging parallel and heterogeneous architectures, including GPUs and FPGAs, operating systems, performance portability, and distributed scheduling and resource management.

EXCLUSIONS: Topics that are out of scope for Computer Science include

Applications aimed at advancing computer-supported collaboration, social computing, and generalized research in human-computer interaction,
Discipline-specific data analytics and informatics without a clear articulation of how the research will generalize to other disciplines and/or advance computer science capabilities,
Research focused on the World Wide Web, the dark web, and/or data about it,
Research that is primarily to advance cloud computing, hand-held, portable, desktop, and/or embedded computing that is not applicable to ASCR-supported computational and data science environments; and Research and applications not motivated and justified in the context of current and future SC user facilities.

(c) Advanced Computing Technologies (ACT)

This activity supports quantum computing and networking efforts and Research and Evaluation Prototypes (REP). The REP activity addresses the challenges of next-generation computing systems. By actively partnering with the research community, including industry and Federal agencies, on the development of technologies that enable next-generation machines, ASCR ensures that commercially available architectures serve the needs of the scientific community. The REP activity also prepares researchers to effectively use future scientific computers, including novel technologies, and seeks to reduce risk for future major procurements.
Research topics currently of interest for ACT include

Research focused on information processing and computation systems for emerging computing technologies (beside quantum computing, for which see below) including hardware architectures, accelerators, development of programming environments, languages, libraries, compilers, simulators, and research and development on their algorithms for physical simulation,
Cybersecurity for scientific computing integrity,
Neuromorphic computing: specific to HPC-enabled modeling and simulation of computing architecture at extreme scales for generalizable applications of the proposed approach,
Advanced wireless for science focusing on communications that cover higher frequencies, THz, of 5G+ or WiFi6+ and software defined capabilities. The expanding national rollout of advanced wireless networks is creating opportunities for scientific applications,
Microelectronics for scientific computing,
Adaptation of promising new quantum-computing technologies for testbed use and theoretical studies related to assessing capabilities of near-term quantum computers,
The maintenance and improvement of the software ecosystem, including that developed through the Exascale Computing Project (ECP), which provides shared software packages, novel evaluation systems, and applications relevant to the science and engineering requirements of DOE, in order that the full potential of the current and future computing systems deployed by DOE can be continuously realized.

Proposed research in quantum computing should focus on applications of quantum computing relevant to the Office of Science.
Topics that are out of scope include

Development of new candidate qubit systems or improvements to physical qubits,
Development of integrated circuits for quantum computing,
Cryptography and cryptanalysis,
Error-correction codes and their implementation,
Projects that are duplicative of or competitive with industry.

III. Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

The mission of the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program is to support fundamental research and scientific user facilities to achieve a predictive understanding of complex biological, Earth, and environmental systems for a secure and sustainable energy future. The program seeks to understand how genomic information is translated to functional capabilities, enabling more confident redesign of microbes and plants for sustainable biofuels production, improved carbon storage, and understanding the biological and biogeochemical processes that drive elemental and nutrient cycling in the environment. BER research also advances understanding of the roles of Earth’s physical, biogeochemical, and human systems (the atmosphere, land, oceans, sea ice, subsurface, built infrastructure, etc.) in determining changing patterns of trends and extremes in the Earth system, over subseasonal to decadal time horizons, to provide information that will inform vulnerabilities, risks, and plans for future energy and resource needs.

Program Website: https://science.osti.gov/ber

BER mission areas:

Provide the fundamental science to understand, predict, manipulate and design biological processes that underpin innovations for bioenergy and bioproduct production and enhance the understanding of natural environmental processes relevant to DOE
Enable major scientific developments in Earth system-relevant atmospheric, hydrological, biogeochemical, ecosystem, and cryospheric process and modeling research in support of DOE’s mission goals.
To understand processes and controls needed to describe elemental and nutrient cycling in the environment, based on laboratory and field experiments and system modeling.
To make fundamental discoveries at the interface of biology and physics by developing and using new, enabling technologies and resources for DOE’s needs in bioenergy and subsurface science.

The BER program is organized into two divisions, the Biological Systems Science Division (BSSD), and Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division (EESSD).

The BSSD supports fundamental research that integrates discovery- and hypothesis-driven science with biotechnology development on plant and microbial systems relevant to the DOE bioenergy mission. Systems biology is the multidisciplinary study of complex interactions specifying the function of entire biological systems—from biomolecular processes to single cells to multicellular organisms—rather than the study of individual components. BSSD focuses on utilizing systems biology approaches to define the functional principles that drive living systems, from microbes and microbial communities to plants and small ecosystems. The division also supports operation of a scientific user facility, the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI), and capabilities for structural biology and bioimaging at the DOE Synchrotron Light and Neutron Sources.

The EESSD supports fundamental science and research capabilities that enable major scientific developments in Earth system relevant atmospheric, hydrological, biogeochemical, ecosystem, and cryospheric process research and modeling, in support of DOE’s mission goals for basic science, energy, and national security. This includes research on clouds, aerosols, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and cryospheric processes; scale-aware modeling of process interactions extending from local to global; and model development and analysis of the Earth system including interactions between the natural Earth system and energy and related infrastructures. It also supports environmental system science research to advance an integrated, robust, and scale-aware predictive understanding of terrestrial systems and their interdependent microbial, biogeochemical, ecological, hydrological, and physical processes. EESSD also supports two national scientific user facilities: the Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) User Facility and the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). ARM provides unique, multi-instrumented capabilities for continuous, long-term observations needed to develop and test improved understanding of the central role of clouds and aerosols as part of the atmospheric component of Earth system models. EMSL provides premier experimental and high-end computational resources needed to understand molecular- to meso-scale physical, chemical, and biological processes for addressing DOE’s energy and environmental mission.

BER’s priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

The Biological Systems Science Division supports genomic-, molecular imaging-based investigations to elucidate biological systems critical to DOE’s fundamental science programs in bioenergy and the environment. Systems biology approaches allow integration of omics- (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and quantitative data across spatial, temporal, and functional scales to develop predictive multiscale models that can be used to derive testable hypotheses about emergent properties, functions, and dynamics of organismal systems. An enduring challenge is to develop the tools necessary to capture, annotate, integrate, analyze, and archive large, complex systems biology datasets such as those generated by BER programs. Currently, the ability to generate complex multi-“omic” and associated meta-datasets greatly exceeds the ability to interpret these data. Priority research areas for this topic include development of new innovative computational approaches and AI based methods to identify relationships among different parts of the microbial and plant genomes, analysis of biological networks and integrated models; advanced algorithms and data-handling methods to process and integrate imaging and structural biology data with simulations and other biological measurements; analytical methods that enhance, scale and optimize the management and processing of large, complex and heterogeneous data generated from different observational scales for integration and interpretation of system-wide data, simulation of biological phenomena, processes and systems relevant to BER science.

(b) Biomolecular Characterization and Imaging Science

The Biological Systems Science Division’s focus on developing a scientific basis for plant biomass-based biofuels and bioproducts requires a trained scientific workforce to develop a detailed understanding of cellular metabolism in order to optimize beneficial properties of bioenergy-relevant plants and microbes. Aligned with that goal, BER encourages development of new imaging and 3D structural characterization instrumentation and technologies for the study of cellular and molecular systems and networks critical to the functioning of those organisms. Of particular interest are technologies for probing biological systems iteratively and in situ to characterize the dynamic spatial and temporal relationships, physical connections, and chemical exchanges that facilitate the flow of information and materials across membranes and between intracellular partitions. Also of interest are technologies for characterizing the structures of critical molecular and cellular components that inform understanding of the system and its essential dynamic processes. Candidates for this topic are encouraged to draw upon imaging techniques/capabilities from other disciplines that could be adapted to advance the understanding of the biological systems of diverse plant and microbial species of relevance to BER. Candidates are expected to seek research collaboration with imaging or structural biology scientists and engineers at the DOE National Laboratories in conceptualizing interdisciplinary approaches and leveraging tools and resources available to advance an imaging concept from proof of principle to use in common research practice. See https://BERStructuralBioPORTAL.org/ for BER-supported beamline capabilities and contacts at the DOE synchrotron light and neutron facilities.

(c) Plant Science for Sustainable Bioenergy

Crops grown for bioenergy purposes will possess characteristics quite different from those required for plants grown for food. Decreased or altered lignin composition, a longer juvenile period for increased biomass, and in some cases a perennial lifestyle are among traits considered favorable for bioenergy feed stocks. Current DOE Genomic Science Program research efforts in renewable plant feedstocks for bioenergy and bioproducts focus on the manipulation of metabolic pathways and carbon allocation in plant tissues to produce plant varieties with enhanced productivity, compositional quality and sustainability. Candidates for this topic should focus on systems biology and genome engineering approaches seeking to improve terrestrial bioenergy crop characteristics such as biomass yields, optimized growth and development on marginal lands, and research to further understanding of plant-microbe interactions and/or molecular mechanisms underlying traits that increase sustainable production of such crops under various abiotic stresses. Future DOE bioenergy research will require plant scientists trained in multiple scientific disciplines that enable translation of research to the field.

(d) Environmental Microbiology

Microbial activities are fundamental drivers of environmental processes across all scales. Despite notable advances over the past decade, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the way in which microbes contribute to and modulate global elemental cycles of carbon and nutrients. Given the compositional heterogeneity of terrestrial ecosystems, highly integrated research drawing on ‘-omics’ capabilities, high-resolution analytical technologies, and sophisticated computational approaches, are needed to fully describe the functional properties and interrelationships among microbial populations. Research needs include studies of fundamental processes, as well as the metabolic interactions among microbial populations (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and protists) and with their environment. Also of interest are microbial responses to stress such as (but not limited to) warming, elevated CO2, or changes in water or nutrient availability over varying time scales. Candidates for this topic should adopt a genome-enabled approach (e.g., meta-genomics, -transcriptomics, -proteomics, and metabolomics) to interrogate relevant functional microbial processes in terrestrial environments. Systems biology studies on regulatory and metabolic networks of microbes and microbial consortia involved in relevant biogeochemical processes (for example, but not limited to, carbon/nitrogen/sulfur/methane cycling or redox processes) are encouraged.

(e) Environmental System Science: Process-Level Terrestrial Ecosystem and Watershed Systems Research to Inform Models of the Earth and Environmental System

Current models of the earth system inadequately represent the structure and function of key ecological and hydro-biogeochemical processes of the terrestrial environment. These processes (e.g., nutrient/elemental reactions and cycling, plant-rhizosphere interactions, reactive flow and transport, microbe-mineral interactions, vegetative change, etc.) occur within ecosystems, watersheds, and subsurface systems, spanning a continuum from the bedrock, through the soil and vegetation, and to the atmosphere, and are the product of interactions among the various physical, chemical, and biological components of the Earth system. The inadequate representation of the functioning of ecosystems, watersheds, and subsurface systems, and especially the biogeochemical processes and hydrologic interactions that occur both within them and at their interfaces, represents a major roadblock to predictively understand Earth and environmental systems. Supported research emphasizes ecological and hydro-biogeochemical linkages among system components and characterization of processes across interfaces (e.g., terrestrial-aquatic, coastal, urban) to address key knowledge gaps and uncertainties across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Incorporation of scientific findings into process and system models is an important aspect of the ESS strategy, both to improve predictive understanding as well as to enable the identification of new research questions and directions. Proposals to this topic are required to delineate integrative, hypothesis-driven research that clearly identifies and advances existing needs in state-of-the-art models to better inform representation of the terrestrial system, including landscape and vegetation dynamics, ecosystem processes, watershed hydro-biogeochemistry, nutrient/elemental cycling, reactive transport, rhizosphere processes, and microbial processes in soils, sediments and groundwater. Proposed research must align with the scope and focus of the DOE Environmental System Science program (https://ess.science.energy.gov). Developing a workforce with experience in innovative approaches in ecological, watershed, and subsurface process and systems science research and modeling will enable DOE to foster innovative research and make significant advances in the high-resolution predictive understanding of Earth and environmental systems.

(f) Atmospheric System Research: Aerosol and Cloud Processes

Cloud and aerosol feedbacks remain a large source of uncertainty in model projections of the Earth’s radiative balance. Inadequate representation of the detailed processes controlling aerosol and cloud life cycles at the appropriate spatial scales inhibits our ability to predict changes to the Earth system and their impacts on energy and related infrastructure. Applications should target one or more of the following processes that need to be better represented in Earth system models to improve the ability of models to confidently make projections: aerosol particle formation, growth, absorption, and aging; cloud microphysical processes such as ice nucleation, drizzle and precipitation formation, and phase partitioning; land-atmosphere interactions that impact aerosol and cloud formation; and interactions between clouds and the environment such as entrainment of air into clouds, convective initiation, cold pools, and organization of convective clouds on a range of scales. High priority research efforts in atmospheric sciences within DOE’s Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division (EESSD) require new expertise in using observational data from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Research Facility as well as high resolution numerical models to advance predictive understanding of aerosol and cloud processes. Applications for this topic should use observations and/or modeling tools supported by Biological and Environmental Research (BER) to study the aerosol and cloud processes outlined above. Examples of BER-supported observations and models include observations from ARM, the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), the WRF model coupled to Chemistry (WRF-Chem), the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) ARM Symbiotic Simulation and Observation (LASSO), and the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). Applications that couple atmospheric observations with numerical models for better understanding of atmospheric processes are encouraged. Applications that use artificial intelligence or machine learning (AI/ML) or advanced statistical techniques are also encouraged if doing so provides better understanding of atmospheric processes. Applications that improve the understanding of the above listed atmospheric processes in the urban atmosphere are also encouraged.

(g) Earth System Model Development: Computational Modeling

In order to advance the fidelity of Earth system models, there is an ongoing need to improve physical process representation (complexity) as well as model resolution. At the same time, computing capabilities continue to advance and computer architectures are becoming increasingly complex. These computational advances present both a challenge and opportunity for Earth system modeling research, and there is need for the combined skill-set of computational and Earth system sciences, in order to design and optimize model codes with methods that can effectively utilize the evolution and advances of computer systems. Candidates for this topic should be developing new algorithms or computational methods for Earth system model codes that will both advance Earth system science and be designed to effectively and efficiently utilize emerging generations of Leadership class computers.

Background in one area of earth system sciences as well as in either software engineering or mathematics, is desired but not required.

(h) Regional and Global Model and Analysis: Diagnostics for Water and Biogeochemical Cycles

The development of Earth system modeling systems requires process-oriented diagnostics to evaluate the deficiencies in model parameterizations. Current generation of Earth system models use parameterizations for cloud process, and biogeochemical processes among others. Clouds significantly influence precipitation, which is the major link between the water and biogeochemical cycles of the Earth system. The coupling between the atmosphere and the land surface provides the physical drivers of the linkage. As the Earth system models’ resolution increases, the interactions between different components of the Earth system present new challenges for diagnosing relationships that connect precipitation with large-scale variables involved in parameterization of sub-grid scale processes. Candidates for this topic should focus on water cycle and biogeochemical research seeking to develop new analysis frameworks that combine process-oriented diagnostics and other exploratory metrics with methods of improving parameter choice for existing parameterizations in Earth System Models. Use of Artificial Intelligence techniques is encouraged but not compulsory.

EXCLUSIONS: The following areas are NOT within the scope of the BER program of this solicitation:

Bioenergy from sewage processing, bioremediation of organics, phytoremediation, marine biology, and oceanography;
Design, modeling, or technology development related to renewable energy systems including wind farms, solar arrays, and hydropower;
Existing or newly proposed processes for commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal solid and liquid waste management, even if those processes hold potential to positively impact the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, etc.;
Experimentation in support of industrial processes, including feedstock substitutions, emissions scrubbing, and other processes designed for greenhouse gas emissions;
Policy analysis and/or policy implementation studies;
General human behavioral research, even as it applies to such areas as biofuels acceptance; however, economic and risk research is very much on point and encouraged;
Marine experimentation as part of of Earth system sciences research, including understanding of marine organisms and marine ecology even when it may impact carbon, nutrient, and other cycles and/or hold potential for marine carbon sequestration;
Observations and experimentation on ocean currents, ocean heat transfer, and other physical ocean properties;
Engineering of systems or instrumentation or deployment of innovative combinations of existing probes where basic research is not the main thrust;
Technology development and testing to promote the mitigation of extreme events and their impacts within the Earth system;
Air pollution measurements, control technology development or evaluation;
Site-specific scientific studies of Earth system change, including patterns of extreme events, where research may be focused on a particular community, localized resource, or region, but where more generalized extensions and interpretations of the research are not a central component;
Applied contaminant remediation, including phytoremediation approaches.
Medically related research; plant pests, biomass process engineering optimization, molecular dynamics simulations towards enzyme engineering; or DNA sequencing technology.

IV. Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

The mission of the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program is to support fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support other aspects of DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. The portfolio supports work in the natural sciences by emphasizing fundamental research in materials sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and aspects of biosciences. BES-supported scientific facilities provide specialized instrumentation and expertise that enable scientists to carry out experiments not possible at individual laboratories.
Additional information can be found on the BES website. BES-sponsored workshop reports address the current status and possible future directions of some important research areas. PI Meetings Reports contain abstracts of BES supported research in topical areas associated with Division-sponsored technical conferences.

BES Website: https://science.osti.gov/bes
BES Workshop Reports: http://science.osti.gov/bes/community-resources/reports/
Materials Sciences and Engineering Division PI Meetings: http://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/principal-investigators-meetings/
Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, & Biosciences Division PI Meetings: http://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/principal-investigators-meetings/

BES mission areas:

To design, model, synthesize, characterize, analyze, assemble, and use a variety of new molecules, materials, and structures, including metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, bioinspired and biomimetic materials and more for energy-related applications.
To understand, model, and control chemical reactivity and mass and energy transfer processes in the gas phase, in solutions, and at interfaces for energy-related applications, employing lessons from inorganic and biological systems.
To develop new concepts and improve existing methods to assure a secure energy future utilizing any or all renewable and fossil energy sources.
To conceive, design, fabricate, and use new scientific instruments to characterize and ultimately control materials, especially instruments for x-ray, neutron, and electron beam scattering and for use with high magnetic and electric fields.

BES’ priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Materials Chemistry

This research topic supports hypothesis-driven research on materials with a focus on the role of chemical reactivity, chemical transformation, and chemical dynamics on the material composition, structure, function, and lifetime across the range of length scales from atomic to mesoscopic. Discovery of the mechanistic detail for chemical synthesis, transformations and dynamics of materials, fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships of functional materials, and utilization of chemistry to control interfacial properties and interactions between materials are common themes.

Major scientific areas of interest include: (1) Fundamental aspects of chemical synthesis, including covalent and non-covalent assembly of materials from molecular-scale building blocks; (2) Synthesis and characterization of new classes of materials including hierarchical materials or other innovative assemblies of matter with novel functionality; (3) Exploitation of extreme and/or non-equilibrium conditions leading to new materials discovery; (4) Control of interphase chemistry and morphology; (5) Fundamental electrochemistry of materials; (6) Chemical dynamics and transformations of functional materials in operational environments; and (7) Development of new tools and techniques for the elucidation of chemical processes in materials, particularly in situ or operando studies of materials in energy-relevant environments.

Specific topics of interest are aligned with recent BES roundtable and workshop reports and include fundamental understanding of the chemical interactions of materials with hydrogen or carbon dioxide, novel approaches to the chemical conversion of polymers, fundamental investigations of rare earth compounds and other critical materials leading to earth-abundant alternatives, discovery of materials with spin-selective electronic functionality, and new approaches to materials discovery using data-driven science such as AI/ML.

EXCLUSIONS: Research will not be supported if it is primarily aimed at optimization of properties of materials for specific applications, optimization of synthetic methods (including non-science-based scale-up research), device fabrication and testing, or synthesis of small molecules or nanoparticles. Applications focused on the elucidation of mechanisms of catalytic reactions, particularly with single-site or single-atom catalysts, will not be supported.

(b) Biomolecular Materials

This research area supports fundamental materials science research for discovery, design and synthesis of functional materials and complex structures based on principles and concepts of biology. Biology provides a blueprint for organizing and manipulating matter, energy, entropy, and information across multiple length scales to build material systems that display complex yet well-coordinated collective behavior. The major direction is on the science-driven creation of materials and multiscale systems that exhibit well-coordinated functionality and information content approaching that of biological materials but capable of functioning under extreme, non-biological environments. This research activity seeks innovative fundamental science approaches for co-design and scalable synthesis of materials that coherently and actively manage multiple complex and simultaneous functions and tolerate abuse through autonomous repair and regrowth. New synthetic approaches and unconventional assembly pathways are sought to accelerate discovery of materials. An area of emphasis will be activities to understand and control assembly mechanisms to seamlessly integrate capabilities developed for one length scale across multiple length scales as the material is constructed. Included is development of predictive models and AI/ML for data-driven science that accelerate materials discovery and support fundamental science to direct energy efficient scalable synthesis with real-time adaptive control.

Major scientific areas of interest are: self, directed, and dissipative assembly to form resilient materials with self-regulating capabilities such as reconfiguration of morphology and function, autonomous self-healing and growth, control of active matter, and non-equilibrium information and signaling processing; management of precise functional group positioning and component interactions across multiple time and length scales; and design and creation of next-generation materials that incorporate low-energy mechanisms for programmable selectivity and active management of energy and fluid transport.

EXCLUSIONS: The research area will not support projects that lack a clear focus on fundamental materials science or are aimed at optimization of materials properties for any applications, device fabrication, sensor development, tissue engineering, understanding of underlying biological synthetic or assembly processes, biological research, or biomedical research.

(c) Synthesis and Processing Science

This topic supports research to understand the physical phenomena and unifying principles that underpin materials synthesis and processing across multiple length scales. Some of these phenomena include diffusion, nucleation, and phase transitions and the role imperfections and interfaces play in the emergence of materials functionality. The emphasis is on hypothesis-based research that enables discovery of new materials, from quantum to bulk dimensionalities, with targeted composition, structure, and function. New crystal growth methods, thin-film deposition techniques, and post-processing techniques are needed to create complex materials, including new states of matter or discoveries under non-equilibrium conditions and through (multi-) scale and external interactions. This topic also is interesting in understanding complex synthesis and processing relationships, for example time-temperature-transformation diagrams (TTT), transition state surfaces, or the effect of substrate (stress/strain) or precursor (kinetic energy/structure) states on film growth.

This research area emphasizes innovative research to understand materials growth kinetics and mechanisms, especially as they relate to the science of advanced low-carbon fabrication processes, organic and inorganic film deposition with controlled defects, and the organization of multifaceted mesoscopic hierarchical assemblies. Topics targeted for increased emphasis are emerging areas of research that examine (1) fundamental processes to reduce energy consumption for physical deposition processes, (2) meta-stable intermediates for phase and composition transformations, (3) the role of localized external fields in directing growth processes, and (4) the direct conversion of natural minerals or end-of-life materials into new functional alternatives. Applications are sought that focus on creative coupling of physical synthesis, processing techniques, and solution-based chemistry with computational/theory approaches, including AI/ML and automated synthesis for data-driven science. Additionally, projects emphasizing the development of real-time diagnostic tools and characterization techniques to understand the fundamental science of nucleation and structure/composition for atomic level control, and computational approaches bridging multiple timescales are encouraged. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Synthesis-and-Processing-Science.

EXCLUSIONS: Projects aimed at controlling synthesis to directly optimize or engineer materials properties will be de-emphasized. In addition, research will not be supported that focuses primarily on device fabrication, device development, or any optimization based on known processing or synthesis principles.

(d) Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

This research area supports experimental research to advance our understanding of quantum phenomena governing the electronic structure of complex materials. The objective is to realize and control novel quantum states of matter, thus enabling new materials functionalities targeting energy efficient microelectronics and information technologies.
Graduate students will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge experimental techniques used in the synthesis and advanced characterization of 3D, layered, and 2D materials.
Applicants should focus on electronic collective behaviors emerging from the interplay of nontrivial band topology with lattice, charge, spin, valley, and orbital degrees of freedom. Other topics of interest are critical materials alternates, 2D magnets, materials or interfaces combining topology with strong correlations, characterization techniques operating in situ and under extreme conditions (high pressure, high magnetic fields, etc.), and the incorporation of computational tools and domain aware scientific machine learning algorithms. The emphasis should be on the understanding of the fundamental physics underlying new materials properties. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Experimental-Condensed-Matter-Physics.

EXCLUSIONS: Not supported is research involving cold atom physics, conventional superconductors, conventional bulk semiconductors, the incremental optimization of materials properties, and any type of device engineering (e.g., optimization of photovoltaics, fuel cells, batteries, power electronics, etc.).

(e) Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

This research area supports fundamental research in quantum physics by advancing our fundamental understanding of quantum materials and out-of-equilibrium quantum systems, driving materials discovery and design, and developing novel materials theory related to DOE missions. Research spans from analytical to computational approaches with a strong emphasis on theory, methods, and technique development, as well as prediction and interpretation of novel quantum phenomena.
Applicants should focus on the development and use of innovative theoretical and computational methods, including computational design of quantum materials with atomic precision, and innovative physics-guided AI approaches to accelerate fundamental research.

For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Theoretical-Condensed-Matter-Physics.

EXCLUSIONS: Not supported is research in soft matter, polymers, glasses, granular materials, cold atoms, classical transport, classical molecular dynamics, and optimization of physical properties.

(f) Physical Behavior of Materials

This research area supports fundamental research of the physical behavior of materials in response to external stimuli. The focus is on fundamental processes and interactions, including transport of charge, spin, and phonons in electronic and spintronic materials, as well as quantum photonics. Applicants should emphasize the impactful and fundamental science aspects and center their efforts on transformative hypothesis-driven basic science. This research area also supports theory, modeling, simulation and data science, especially activities that combine theoretical and experimental research. For further information about this research area seehttps://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Physical-Behavior-of-Materials.

EXCLUSIONS: Not supported is optimization of materials properties for applications, device fabrication, or conventional sensor development.

(g) Mechanical Behavior and Radiation Effects

This research area supports basic research to understand defects in materials and their effects on the properties such as strength, structure, deformation, and failure. Defect formation, growth, migration, and propagation are examined by coordinated experimental and modeling efforts over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales as well as a range of environments and stimuli. Topics include deformation of nanostructured materials, fundamentals of radiation damage, corrosion/stress-corrosion cracking in conjunction with radiation or stress, and research that would lead to microstructural design for tailored strength, radiation response, formability, and fracture resistance in energy-relevant materials. In addition to traditional structural materials, this research area also supports the understanding of fundamental deformation and failure mechanisms of other materials used in energy systems (e.g., polymers, membranes, coating materials, electrodes).Applicants focusing on radiation effects are encouraged to consider the priority research directions and priority research opportunities in the reports from the 2017 Basic Research Needs Workshop for Future Nuclear Energy and the 2022 Roundtable on Foundational Science to Accelerate Nuclear Energy Innovation. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Mechanical-Behavior-and-Radiation-Effects.

EXCLUSIONS: Not supported is optimization of properties of materials for specific applications or focused on developing simple structure-property correlations. Also not supported are high-strain-rate deformation, high-dose radiation, or mechanics of materials (rather than materials science).

(h) Quantum Information Science in Materials Sciences and Engineering

This topic provides opportunities for graduate students to engage in fundamental theoretical and experimental quantum information science (QIS) research with DOE National Laboratory scientists. Applications are sought in two topical areas: 1) Quantum Computing in Materials Science; and 2) Next-Generation Quantum Systems, as described below.
Quantum Computing in Materials Science: Applications are requested for theoretical research using quantum computers, emulators and/or annealers to solve scientific problems in materials science. Applications must describe how the proposed research addresses one or more of the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences:

Controlling the quantum dynamics of non-equilibrium materials systems
Unraveling the physics of strongly correlated electron systems
Developing algorithms for embedding quantum hardware in classical frameworks
Bridging the classical-quantum computing divide.

Next-Generation Quantum Systems: Applications are requested for basic experimental or theoretical research focused on the discovery and characterization of quantum phenomena to enable the design and discovery of novel quantum information systems. Applications must describe how the proposed research addresses one or more of the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Basic Research for Next-Generation Quantum Systems:

Advance artificial quantum-coherent systems with unprecedented functionality for QIS
Enhance creation and control of coherence in quantum systems
Discover novel approaches for quantum-to-quantum transduction
Implement new quantum methods for advanced sensing and process control

For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Quantum-Information-Science.

EXCLUSIONS: Applications that emphasize engineering, device optimization, or designing/building quantum computers and devices will not be considered. Applications that are focused on chemical systems or fundamental materials research of quantum phenomena in systems unrelated to QIS will not be considered. Applications that focus solely on algorithmic advances or software tools without a connection to BES-relevant science topics (a) to (k) will not be considered.

(i) X-ray Scattering

This topic supports basic research on the fundamental interactions of photons with matter to achieve an understanding of atomic, electronic, and magnetic structures and excitations and their relationships to materials properties, including the dynamics of quantum phenomena. The main emphasis is on x-ray scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging research, primarily at major BES-supported user facilities. Instrumentation development and experimental research in ultrafast materials science, across the full electromagnetic spectrum, is an integral part of the portfolio. This includes research aimed at manipulating and detecting ultrafast transient physical phenomena in materials, especially at excitation levels consistent with quantum phenomena and controlled energy conversion and transport.

Advances in x-ray scattering and ultrafast sciences will continue to be driven by scientific opportunities presented by improved source performance and optimized instrumentation, especially with the advent of improved synchrotron coherence and free electron laser sources. The x-ray scattering activity will expand current capabilities at the DOE facilities by providing support for students who work with independent external researchers who motivate and lead new instrumentation and technique development at those facilities. For example, research is sought that will take advantage of unprecedented levels of coherent brightness and of controlled timing structures at upgraded light source facilities.

New investments in ultrafast science will emphasize development of novel ultrafast techniques and focus on research that uses radiation sources associated with BES facilities and beamlines. New pump schemes to manipulate dynamic states of quantum materials will be supported, especially those which can be adapted to x-ray free-electron laser and ultrafast electron diffraction probe environments. Additionally, new approaches to improve the collection, processing and analysis of large data sets obtained with high repetition-rate pulsed sources or with fast multi-mega-pixel detector arrays are encouraged under the cross-cutting emerging domain of Data Sciences.

Novel X-ray techniques are sought that enable detailed investigations of the fundamental dynamic mechanisms of energy conversion systems and their active material components. This involves the interaction of complexity at atomic to mesoscopic length scales and requires the development of multimodal experimental techniques that examine the same active sample positions, in place and under operational boundary conditions. Of particular emphasis for new energy saving quantum computation is the in-place study of the evolution of quantum properties and phase transitions at the shortest relevant time scales.
For further information see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/X-Ray-Scattering.

EXCLUSIONS: Not supported is research considered “mature use” of existing x-ray or ultrafast techniques. Typically, the emphasis on new techniques enables new access to inhomogeneous and dynamic systems and therefore this topic excludes steady-state research of bulk and equilibrium systems.

(j) Neutron Scattering
BES supports research and development in neutron scattering for fundamental understanding of matter at the national laboratories. Graduate students are provided opportunities to work side-by-side with scientists experienced in operation of some of the world’s cutting-edge instrumentation.

Applications proposing fundamental research on materials that exhibit novel emergent phenomena or unique properties resulting from out-of-equilibrium (or non-quiescent) conditions or structural inhomogeneity is encouraged. Characterizing and controlling such emergent behavior are keys to optimizing and exploiting a wide range of materials’ performance and functionality. In situ and operando characterizations can measure structure and dynamics of materials in the appropriate environment and at realistic conditions, yielding data for comparison to predictions. This topic area encourages development of novel measurement and/or analysis techniques that exploit the unique aspects of neutron scattering to facilitate the proposed materials research.

(k) Electron and Scanning Probe Microscopies

BES supports research and development in electron and scanning probe microscopy and basic research in materials sciences using advanced electron and scanning probe microscopy and related spectroscopy techniques to understand the atomic, electronic, and magnetic structures and properties of materials. The goal is to develop a fundamental understanding of materials, including quantum phenomena, through advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and the associated theoretical tools. New capabilities are emerging to image functionalities that are critical for enabling significant progress in measuring and understanding functional materials and grand challenges in materials, chemical, and nano sciences. Applications should emphasize innovative research using electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques for groundbreaking science. These include understanding and controlling nano- or meso-scale inhomogeneity and investigations of the interplay among the quantum observables (e.g., charge, spin) that produce unique properties. Research topics include imaging the functionality of materials and investigating electronic structure, spin dynamics, magnetism, and phase transitions; transport properties from atomistic to mesoscopic length scales; and data science methods in microscopy and data analysis including machine learning and artificial intelligence. Progress in materials research requires development of innovative techniques and probes that harness quantum behavior in their characterization schema, as well as the utilization of imaging and spectroscopic techniques for the understanding and control of material or defect formation and properties at the atomic or nanometer scales. Advanced in situ analysis capabilities for the study of time-dependent phenomena, including dynamics of quantum materials using ultrafast techniques, is also an area of interest in this topic. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse/Research-Areas/Electron-and-Scanning-Probe-Microscopies.

EXCLUSIONS: Applications that target biomedical applications or systems (e.g., animal/human health) will NOT be considered. Applications that focus on research using conventional microscopy techniques will NOT be considered.

(l) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences

The Atomic, Molecular, and Optical sciences (AMOS) research area supports experimental and theoretical research that elucidates light-induced physical and chemical changes in molecular systems on ultrafast timescales. The targeted processes include (coherent) electron motion and subsequent coupled electronic-nuclear dynamics that occur throughout the course of photophysical and photochemical transformations. The AMOS research area will consider SCGSR applications focused on applying and developing state-of-the-art X-ray and electron diffraction-based probes of ultrafast chemistry at BES user facilities, including ANL, LBNL, and SLAC. Ultrafast phenomena that continue to be of interest include charge delocalization and transfer, bond breaking and making, and photochemical isomerization. Experimental and theoretical research that considers the interactions between matter and strong fields, including work at the interface of AMOS and QIS (e.g. strong light-matter coupling) is also encouraged.

EXCLUSIONS: Applications in the areas of atomic and ultracold physics will not be considered.

(m) Gas Phase Chemical Physics

The Gas Phase Chemical Physics (GPCP) topic explores chemical reactivity, kinetics, and dynamics in the gas phase at the level of electrons, atoms, molecules, and nanoparticles. A continuing goal of this topic is to understand energy flow and reaction mechanisms in complex, nonequilibrium, gas-phase environments. A new crosscutting theme for the GPCP topic concerns systems chemistry, in which complex molecular behavior emerges from ensembles of molecules or large reaction networks in the gas phase. The GPCP topic seeks to understand, model, and ultimately control this emergent molecular complexity. Recent areas of interest are large reaction mechanism networks, i.e. PAH formation/reaction, for the creation of high value products, low temperature plasma chemistry, and systems chemistry / emergent molecular complexity.

The topic currently supports the following five research thrusts:

1. Light-Matter Interactions includes research in the development and application of novel tools, such as molecular spectroscopy, for probing the nuclear and electronic structure of gas-phase molecules to enable chemical and physical analysis of heterogeneous and dynamic gas-phase environments and to understand the dynamic behavior of isolated molecules, such as energy flow (e.g., relaxation of excited states), nuclear rearrangements, and loss of coherence and entanglement. Applications are encouraged that develop automated methods based on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) methods to facilitate the analysis of complex molecular spectra, or seek to improve the understanding of quantum phenomena in systems that could be used for quantum information science.

2. Chemical Reactivity comprises research in chemical kinetics and mechanisms, chemical dynamics, collisional energy transfer, and construction of, and calculations on, molecular potential energy surfaces to develop fundamental insight into energy flow and chemical reactions important in transformative manufacturing processes. This research also includes: i) understanding the influence of nonequilibrium, heterogeneous, nanoscale environments on complex reaction mechanisms in chemical conversions and ii) understanding and controlling plasma chemistry. Applications are encouraged that develop AI/ML methods for the construction of potential energy surfaces and optimization of chemical kinetic mechanisms.

3. Gas-Particle Interconversions comprises research on the chemistry of small gas-phase particles, including their interactions with gas-phase molecules and dynamic evolution to understand the molecular mechanisms of formation, growth and transformation (such as evaporation, phase transition, and reactive processing) of small particles.

4. Gas-Surface Chemical Physics retains a strong emphasis on molecular-scale investigations of gas-phase chemical processes with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the cooperative effects of coupling gas phase chemistry with surface chemistry. Applications are encouraged that explore the cooperative effects of gas-surface coupling for systems relevant to transformative manufacturing.

5. Ultrafast Imaging/Spectroscopy includes studies of the short timescale phenomena underlying photochemical and photophysical processes, such as photodissociation, isomerization, and nonadiabatic dynamics in the gas phase. Applications are encouraged that develop AI/ML methods for analyzing ultrafast images/spectra or to provide insight into chemical systems associated with transformative manufacturing.
For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Gas-Phase-Chemical-Physics.

EXCLUSIONS: Topics of research that will NOT be considered are: non-reacting fluid dynamics (transport phenomena including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), reacting and non-reacting turbulent flow, and the impact of transport of chemical reactions), spray dynamics, data-sharing software development, end-use combustion device development, and characterization or optimization of end-use combustion devices.

(n) Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

This topic supports fundamental research for the sustained development and integration [1] of new and existing theoretical and massively parallel computational approaches for the deterministic, accurate and efficient prediction of chemical processes and mechanisms relevant to the DOE missions. This research area focuses on enabling the simulation of chemical systems and dynamical processes that are so complex that efficient computational implementation must be accomplished in concert with development of new theories and algorithms. Applications may include the development or improvement of modular computational tools that enhance interpretation and analysis of advanced experimental measurements, including those acquired at DOE user facilities, or efforts aimed at enhancing the accuracy, precision, applicability and scalability of quantum-mechanical simulation methods. Also included is the development of spatial and temporal multiscale methodologies that allow for time-dependent simulations of coherent and dissipative processes as well as rare events. Development of novel theories and simulation capabilities for theory-guided control of externally driven electronic and spin-dependent processes in real environments is encouraged.

The focus for FY 2025 is on the innovation of predictive mechanistic theories and practical, systematically improvable and hierarchical methods for describing and simulating dynamical processes occurring in complex molecular ensembles and environments. Topics of interest within this focus include the development and integration of correlated and/or stochastic quantum chemical and quantum dynamical approaches for the accurate simulation and prescriptive design of (i) systems-level behaviors and other emergent functionalities and phenomena for manipulating information and energy transduction, with specific emphasis on dynamical chemical systems that exploit coordinated effects of chirality, topology, and magnetoelectric interactions to achieve novel functionalities, (ii) non-biological autocatalytic cooperative reaction networks and mechanisms, such as those leading to directed molecular assembly and/or replication processes, or (iii) correlated multi-electron and/or multi-photon governed chemical transformation and energy transduction processes in field-driven complex open quantum systems, including those that may require non-Hermitian or non-memoryless dynamical approaches to describe their behavior.

EXCLUSIONS: This topic does not support projects based predominantly on (i) the “mature use” of presently available implementations of computational and theoretical chemistry methods and/or approaches, or (ii) the development of phenomenological models and empirical parameterization of models. AI/ML focused efforts in this research area must develop run-time compute intensive algorithms and methods, such as those that require reasoning and/or inference modelling to be performed during their execution, to advance the current state-of-the-art in exascale or quantum hardware-based simulations of chemical systems and processes for fundamental knowledge discovery. Applications focused on the development of density functional approximations or machine-learned potentials are not encouraged. Methods for, or applications to, systems that do not explicitly consider rearrangements of quantum-mechanical degrees of freedom are not supported.

[1] A Perspective on Sustainable Computational Chemistry Software Development and Integration, R. Di Felice et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2023, 19, 7056. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00419.

(o) Condensed Phase and Interfacial Molecular Science

This topic emphasizes basic research at the boundary of chemistry and physics, pursuing a molecular-level understanding of chemical and physical processes in liquids and at interfaces. With its foundation in chemical physics, the impact of this crosscutting research topic is far reaching, providing understanding and scientific foundations underpinning a variety of areas of importance to the DOE, including energy, chemical synthesis and manufacturing, and microelectronics. The Condensed Phase and Interfacial Molecular Science (CPIMS) topic also supports efforts related to research priorities such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that can form the basis for new approaches to understanding science questions of interest to the CPIMS topic.

Experimental and theoretical investigations in the gas phase, condensed phase, and at interfaces aim at elucidating the molecular-scale chemical and physical properties and interactions that govern chemical reactivity, solute/solvent structure, and transport. Studies of reaction dynamics at well-characterized surfaces and clusters lead to the development of theories on the molecular origins of surface-mediated catalysis and heterogeneous chemistry. Studies of model condensed phase systems target first-principles understanding of molecular reactivity and dynamical processes in solution and at interfaces. The transition from molecular-scale chemistry to collective phenomena in complex systems is also of interest, allowing knowledge gained at the molecular level to be exploited through the dynamics and kinetics of collective interactions. In this manner, the desired evolution is toward predictive capabilities that span the microscopic to nanoscale domains, enabling the understanding of molecular-scale interactions as well as their role in complex, collective behavior at larger scales. A molecular level understanding of complex molecular systems is sought, capturing the essence of chemical behavior, knowledge of the main molecular-level driving forces behind the behavior, and discovery of universal principles that can be applied more widely.

This research area seeks increased emphasis in Systems Chemistry, for which energy is provided to dissipative systems at the molecular level, seeking to understand how interacting molecular networks can lead to emergent reactive behavior. Examples include reaction-diffusion systems, positional information, compartmentalized reaction networks, substrate-induced reactive systems, chemical replication, and the chemical dynamics of nonequilibrium catalysis. The CPIMS topic seeks increasing emphasis on chemistry at the boundaries of condensed matter physics, including where unexpected emergent behavior has been identified. Examples of recent supported projects in this area include a study of how chemical reactions might be supported at the surface of topological materials, another studying the impact of Moiré effects on electrochemistry, and another that explores use of the theories of topological physics to change the way chemical reactions are understood and manipulated.

For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Condensed-Phase-and-InterfacialMolecular-Sciences.

EXCLUSIONS: This topic does not fund research in mechanics or dynamics of bulk fluids, technological applications, or device development.

(p) Quantum Information Science Research in Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences

This topic provides opportunities for graduate students to engage in fundamental theoretical and experimental QIS research with DOE National Laboratory scientists. Efforts in this area provide a foundational understanding of quantum information control in complex molecular systems and build the necessary scientific basis to develop chemical design principles for next-generation quantum technologies in computing, communication, and sensing.

Among applicable topics of research are:

Entanglement as an important metric of quantum information content in molecular systems, including quantification, measurement, and utilization of entanglement during dynamical evolution
Effects of environment both from the point of view of controlling decoherence in the quantum subsystem as well as in the context of quantum thermodynamics, studying how quantum coherence and entanglement influence thermodynamic behavior.
Exploiting the unique quantum modalities and degrees of freedom inherent in molecular systems to advance innovative paradigms in quantum processing and sensing.

Quantum computing is a key application of quantum technology. This QIS topic takes a strategic, long-term approach to quantum computing as a comprehensive systems-based effort to model complex quantum processes using simplified surrogate models, such as discrete gate-based or analog quantum computers. Relevant research topics include the development of innovative theoretical methods for mapping chemical processes onto surrogate models and the study of surrogate systems to gain deeper insights into the underlying chemical systems.

EXCLUSIONS: Applications that emphasize engineering, device optimization, or designing/building quantum computers and devices will not be considered. Applications that focus solely on algorithmic advances or software tools without a connection to BES-relevant science topics (l) to (w) will not be considered.

(q) Catalysis Science

This research topic supports basic research pursuing novel catalyst design and molecular-level control of chemical transformations relevant to the sustainable conversion of energy resources. Emphasis is on the understanding of reaction mechanisms, enabling precise identification and manipulation of catalytic active sites, their environments, and reaction conditions for optimized efficiency and selectivity. Elucidation of catalytic reaction mechanisms in diverse chemical environments and the structure-reactivity relationships of solid and molecular catalysts comprises a central component of this research area.
A long-term objective is to promote the convergence of heterogeneous, homogeneous, electro-, and bio-catalysis as a means to discover novel inorganic, organic, and hybrid catalysts that are atom and energy efficient for selective fuel and chemical production. The research topic promotes an increasing adoption of abundant feedstocks.
Specific focus areas are described below:

Advanced concepts concerning catalyst design, including topics related to atomically precise synthesis, enabling, for instance: multi-functionality, confinement within porous materials, site cooperativity, nano- and single-atom stabilized structures, and manipulation of weak interactions.
Substituting or coupling thermal energy sources with less-energy intensive ones, such as electrical, mechanochemical, or electromagnetic sources leading to sustainable chemical processes, such as low-temperature electrosynthesis, integrated separation-catalytic processes, or carbon-neutral transformations.
Strategies that explore catalysts and mechanisms associated with direct catalytic transformations in multicomponent mixtures, multiple reactions, integrated processes, and circular processing, including selective breakdown or functionalization of synthetic or natural polymers.
Catalysis mediated by earth-abundant metals or investigations related to transformations targeting the reduction or elimination of the use of platinum group and other critical elements.
Examination of the dynamics of catalyst and electronic structures occurring during catalytic cycles and deactivation via the development of novel spectroscopic techniques and structural probes for in situ/operando characterization of catalytic processes. This also includes strategies to induce changes in catalytic structure and activity via response to stimuli.
Integrated theory-experiment and predictive theoretical catalysis supported by data-intensive and AI/Machine Learning approaches for mechanism identification, catalyst discovery and development, and benchmarking of catalytic properties.

EXCLUSIONS: This activity does not consider: (1) the study of transformations for pharmaceutical applications; (2) non-catalytic stoichiometric reactions; (3) whole cell or organismal catalysis; (4) studies where the primary focus is photochemistry or photophysics; (5) processes principally focused on battery technologies; (6) synthesis efforts that are not primarily geared toward catalytic outcomes; and (7) studies primarily focused on process or reactor design and optimization.
For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Catalysis-Science.

(r) Separation Science

This topic supports hypothesis-based experimental and computational research that addresses fundamental questions focused on discovering, understanding, predicting, and controlling de-mixing transitions, with the goal of enabling chemical separation paradigms that may become the basis for solutions to current and long-term energy challenges. Basic research in this topic relies on understanding chemical and physical properties at multiple length and time scales, quantum through macroscopic properties, and molecular interactions and energy exchanges that determine the efficiency and sustainability of chemical separations.
This topic area currently supports five fundamental research thrusts within separation science that are molecularly focused and in a nascent stage. Selected topics of interest include:

discovering, understanding, and predicting paradigms for removal of dilute constituents from a mixture, including but not limited to (a) reactive separations, (b) intermolecular interactions leading to formation of a new phase, and (c) emergent phenomena that result from correlation and amplification of individual atomic or molecular processes, such as aggregation and their effects on kinetic or transport properties;
elucidating factors that cause a separation system to approach mass transfer limitations;
understanding non-thermal and other sustainable mechanisms that have the potential to drive efficient and selective energy-relevant separations, such as magnetic, mechanic, electromagnetic, magneto-reactive, bio-inspired, and other novel means to affect transport kinetics and bonding;
elucidating how separation parameters and processes such as high selectivity, capacity, and throughput are impacted by complex and/or interconnected system properties;
understanding temporal changes in separation systems such as activation, degradation, self-repair, or solvation.

Fundamental scientific questions focused on addressing knowledge gaps in user-inspired DOE themes can be include but are not required. These include enabling new strategies for critical materials recovery from natural and unconventional feedstocks; advancing the scientific basis for the separation and utilization of rare isotopes or the recovery of heavy elements from nuclear waste; and developing scalable approaches to carbon oxides removal from low-concentration sources such as air and water. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/separation-science.

EXCLUSIONS: This activity does not support engineering design, optimization, or scale-up; development of narrowly defined syntheses, processes, or devices; established desalination approaches; microfluidics technology; or sensors.

(s) Heavy Element Chemistry

This topic area supports f-block & beyond fundamental chemical research that underpins the DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security with an emphasis on the chemical and physical properties of the transuranic elements. The unique molecular bonding of these elements is explored using experiment and theory to elucidate electronic and molecular structure, reaction thermodynamics, as well as quantum phenomena such as coherence and entanglement. Investigations of the superheavy elements where relativistic chemical effects dominate and half-lives are short, are a challenging test of theoretical and chemical techniques; these proposals are highly encouraged. Applications focused on extraction should be responsive to the research needs described in the report from the Office of Science workshop on Basic Research Needs for Environmental Management (July 8-11, 2015) to elucidate electronic and molecular structure as well as reaction thermodynamics. Applicants should also look at the priority research directions and opportunities discussed in the report from the July 2022 Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Foundational Science to Accelerate Nuclear Energy Innovation. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Heavy-Element-Chemistry.

EXCLUSIONS: Based on programmatic priorities, topics of research that will NOT be considered are: the processes affecting the transport of subsurface contaminants, isotope development, microfluidics, medical research, and projects aimed at optimization of materials properties including radiation damage, device fabrication, or biological systems.

(t) Geosciences

This topic supports basic experimental, theoretical, and computational research in geochemistry and geophysics that has clear connections to energy or recovery of critical elements. Geochemical research emphasizes fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms and rates associated with geochemical processes, focusing on molecular-mesoscale aspects of minerals and interfaces and on the molecular origins of critical element/isotope distributions and their influence on migration/separation/fractionation pathways in the earth, ranging from weathering environments to magmatic/hydrothermal systems. Geophysical research focuses on new approaches to understand subsurface processes that characterize the evolution of fractures in the upper crust. Applicants should look at the geosciences-aligned priority research directions and opportunities discussed in the BES workshop and roundtable reports. The reports that contain particularly topical geosciences topics include Foundational Science for Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies (2022), Basic Research Needs for Energy and Water(2017), and Controlling Subsurface Fractures and Fluid Flow: A Basic Research Agenda (2015). For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Geosciences.

EXCLUSIONS: Topics of research that will NOT be considered are: wellbore integrity, advanced drilling methods, hydraulic fracturing technologies, remediation tools, stimulation methods, specific CO2 sequestration or nuclear waste repository performance assessment, the processes affecting the transport of subsurface contaminants, and projects aimed at optimization of processes for industry, all of which are covered under other DOE programs.

(u) Solar Photochemistry

This activity supports fundamental, molecular-level research on solar energy capture and conversion in the condensed phase and at interfaces. Photochemical approaches may ultimately form the basis of new energy technologies that generate electricity or energy-rich chemicals from sunlight. Supported research areas include mission-relevant organic and inorganic photochemistry, light-driven electron and energy transfer in condensed phase and interfacial molecular systems, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis of solar fuels reactions, semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, and artificial assemblies that mimic natural photosynthetic systems.
An additional regime of interest is the chemistry initiated through the creation of excited states with ionizing radiation, as can be produced through electron pulse radiolysis, to investigate reaction dynamics, structure, and energetics of short-lived transient intermediates in the condensed phase, solutions, and interfaces. Fundamental, molecular-level research in this area can provide a foundation to address challenges in reactor chemistry, waste separation, and waste storage related to nuclear power generation.

For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Solar-Photochemistry.

EXCLUSIONS: Solar Photochemistry does not fund applied research on device development or optimization, though science-focused studies on component integration are within scope.

(v) Photosynthetic Systems

Applications to this topic area should be for basic research on the capture and conversion of solar energy to chemical energy in the photosynthetic systems of plants, algae, and photosynthetic microbes. Topics of study include, but are not limited to, light harvesting, proton and electron transport, reduction of carbon dioxide to form organic compounds, and the self-assembly and self-repair of photosynthetic proteins, complexes and membranes. Examples of specific topics under these headings include capture of CO2 by carboxylase enzymes and bicarbonate transporters, light-driven production of H2 by hydrogenase enzymes, energy flow through light harvesting proteins, and light-driven electron transport over long and short molecular distances. The broad goal of this research topic is to foster greater knowledge of the diverse photosynthetic systems found in nature. These offer a natural library of self-assembling biochemical systems that conduct unusually efficient transfers and conversions of energy from one form to another. Understanding these systems can guide the improvement of plants and algae for human uses and guide the development of biomimetic or biohybrid energy devices.

All applications must clearly state how the knowledge gained from the proposed research is relevant to greater mechanistic understanding of the capture and conversion of solar energy to chemical energy in the photosynthetic systems of plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Photosynthetic-Systems.

EXCLUSIONS: This topic does not fund: 1) development or optimization of energy devices or processes; 2) development or optimization of microbial strains or plant varieties for biofuel or biomass production; 3) phenotype analyses that do not test specific hypotheses relevant to this research topic; 4) genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic data acquisition that does not test specific hypotheses relevant to this research topic; and 5) projects that are primarily computational in nature.

(w) Physical Biosciences

This research area supports basic research into the chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology that underpins energy capture, conversion and storage in plants and non-medical microbes. Primary focus areas of this research area include studies that investigate:

the structure/function, mechanistic, and electrochemical properties of enzymes that catalyze complex multielectron reactions (especially those involved in the interconversion of CO2/CH4, N2/NH3, and H+/H2);
complex metallocofactors biosynthesis;
cofactor redox tuning through ligand coordination and local chemical environments to reduce overpotential and better enable catalysis using earth-abundant metals;
electron bifurcation and catalytic bias;
proton and electron tunneling and other quantum phenomena in non-photosynthetic systems;
factors and critical components that direct and regulate electron and energy flow on larger spatial and temporal scales through energy-relevant metabolic pathways.

Limited support is provided for basic research on the biosynthesis and structure of important electron stores in biological systems (plant cell walls, lipids, terpenes, ect.), studies that provide insight into the assembly and maintenance of biological energy transduction systems, and research to understand the roles played by ion gradients in storing energy and driving transport processes. Please note that in the area of plant cell wall biosynthesis and structure, applications will only be considered if they focus on the physics or chemistry of the complex polymer/polymer interactions that give rise to the mesoscale properties of these materials. A fundamental understanding of how these properties emerge from the underlying molecular phenomena could inspire new strategies for stabilizing, destabilizing, and/or converting synthetic polymers and plastics.

For further information about this research area see https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb/Research-Areas/Physical-Biosciences

EXCLUSIONS: This topic does not fund research in: 1) animal systems; 2) prokaryotic systems related to human/animal health or disease; 3) development or optimization of energy devices or processes; 4) development or optimization of microbial strains or plant varieties for biofuel/biomass production; 5) cell wall breakdown or deconstruction; 6) transcriptional or translational regulatory mechanisms or processes; 7) environmental remediation or identification of environmental hazards; and 8) genomic or other “omic” data acquisition that does not test specific hypotheses relevant to this research topic.

(x) Accelerator and Detector Research
Basic Energy Sciences (BES) supports accelerator and detector research and development in support of its current and future x-ray and neutron sources. These facilities give graduate students the opportunity to work side-by-side with accelerator and instrument scientists that are operating some of the world’s cutting-edge facilities and also developing advanced technology for next-generation facilities. Accelerator physics has always relied on inventing, developing, and adapting advanced technologies to enable state-of-the-art research. With the adoption of particle accelerator and detector technologies by many scientific fields, the demand for skilled practitioners in these areas has grown significantly. As the scale of particle accelerators and their associated detectors has grown, very few universities have been able to maintain the infrastructure needed to provide such practical training, and students typically have to rely on short residencies at accelerator laboratories to receive such experience. BES is particularly interested in the training of graduate students in radio frequency (rf) engineering, new electron source technologies for x-ray free electron lasers including photocathodes, beam diagnostics instrumentation, nonlinear beam dynamics analysis, beam optics design, and detector technology. Also of interest are Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools applied to optimization and control of accelerators and data analytics.

EXCLUSIONS: Based on programmatic priorities, topics of research that will NOT be considered are: the development of materials for detectors or x-ray optics, or the development of mathematical algorithms for detector data management, which are supported through other DOE programs.

(y) Instruments R&D for Neutron and X-ray Facilities

There is a critical need to train scientific and technical staff to develop, upgrade, and operate a large suite of scattering and imaging instruments at the high brilliance light and high flux neutron sources to enable state-of-the-art research in science and technology. BES operates five light sources (ALS, APS, NSLS-II, SSRL and LCLS) and two neutron facilities (SNS and HFIR) with about 200 instruments of different classes operating day and night and over 10,000 annual scientific users. In addition, BES is upgrading its facilities with new accelerator technologies such as ALS-U, APS-U, and LCLS-II-HE, and is constructing multiple new beamlines and instruments at NSLS-II to sustain US leadership in this important area. These facilities provide graduate students the opportunities to work side-by-side with the teams of instrument scientists who conduct research, operate some of the world’s cutting-edge instruments that are highly optimized for the study of structure and dynamics in a wide range of length and time scales at unprecedented speed and spatial and energy resolution, and develop advanced instruments for next-generation facilities. Also supported is science-driven development of next-generation instrumentation concepts, novel tools, time resolved, in-situ and operando and multimodal measurement capabilities, and software infrastructure for machine learning, data analytics, and remote access to accelerate the discovery of solutions for forefront scientific challenges in basic science.
Applications should focus on transformative opportunities for graduate students to carry out research in collaboration with instrument scientists at the facilities to develop instrumentation, novel techniques, and computational tools for enhancing the impact of the world leading BES neutron and light sources.

EXCLUSIONS: Applications will only be considered if they emphasize the development of instrumentation, technique, or software for the instruments at the facilities. Those focused solely on using the facilities for science will NOT be considered as that scope is being covered by other topics.

V. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)

The mission of the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program is to expand the fundamental understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source. In addition, the FES mission includes advancing the basic research needed to solve fundamental science and technology gaps towards the development of fusion power as a clean energy source in the U.S using diverse set of tools and strategic approaches. This approach includes fulfilling the fusion energy mission by a shift in the balance of research toward the Long-Range Plan (LRP) Fusion Materials and Technology (FM&T) gaps, which connects the three science drivers: Sustain a Burning Plasma, Engineer for Extreme Conditions, and Harness Fusion Energy. SC supports U.S. participation in ITER to provide U.S. scientists access to a burning plasma experimental facility aligned with the goals of the LRP. The DIII-D National Fusion Facility and the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) facility are world-leading Office of Science (SC) user facilities for experimental research, used by scientists from national laboratories, universities, and industry research groups, to optimize magnetic confinement regimes. Complementing this effort are Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) collaboration hubs to support strategic growth of inertial confinement approaches.

Program Website: https://science.osti.gov/fes/

The size and complexity of world-leading experiments in the field of plasma physics are rapidly expanding beyond the scale of the single university investigator. Prime examples of this are research in burning plasma science and high-energy-density plasmas. It is essential that the U.S. develop a workforce with the necessary skills and experience in burning plasma science to maintain U.S. leadership in fusion and to fully capitalize on the U.S. investment in ITER and its operation in the coming decade. This means enabling students to pursue grand-challenge problems in burning plasma science by providing them access to parameter regimes only available at the highest pressures (thermal and magnetic) as well as state-of-the-art diagnostics, both of which are only available at FES’s major magnetic confinement fusion science facilities. Student accessibility to these premier facilities is important for developing a workforce with the critical scientific and team-building skills necessary to achieve our mission and secure U.S. leadership in this emergent field of science in the coming decades.

FES’s priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Burning Plasma Science & Enabling Technologies

Research supported in this area will advance the predictive understanding of plasma confinement, dynamics, and interactions with surrounding materials, through the use of major magnetic confinement fusion research facilities or leadership-class computing resources. Among the topics addressed by this program are the macroscopic stability and dynamics of fusion plasmas; the understanding and control of turbulent transport processes; radiofrequency (RF) and neutral beam heating and current drive; energetic particle dynamics; multi-scale and multi-physics processes at the plasma edge; and the interaction and interface of the hot plasma boundary with the material walls.

Additionally, FES actively encourages applications that utilize and advance technology needed to enhance the capabilities for existing and next-generation fusion research facilities, enabling these facilities to achieve higher levels of performance and flexibility needed to explore new science regimes. This includes but is not limited to RF and neutral beam physics and engineering.

This priority area also supports the development of advanced diagnostic capabilities to enable close coupling of experiments and theory/computations for existing facilities; diagnostic systems relevant for the extreme conditions to be encountered in ITER; and sensors and actuators required for active control of plasma properties to optimize device operation and plasma performance.

(b) Discovery Plasma Science

The ability to create and manipulate plasmas with densities and temperatures spanning many orders of magnitude has led to the establishment of plasma science as a multi-disciplinary field, necessary for understanding the flow of energy and momentum in astrophysical plasmas, as well as enabling the development of breakthrough technologies. Research supported in this priority area must be directed toward addressing problems at the frontiers of plasma science. Specifically in the areas of:

General Plasma Science (GPS): Research at the frontiers of basic and low-temperature plasma science, including dynamical processes in laboratory, space, and astrophysical plasmas, such as magnetic reconnection, dynamo, shocks, turbulence cascade, structures, waves, flows and their interactions; behavior of dusty plasmas, non-neutral, single component matter or antimatter plasmas, and ultra-cold neutral plasmas; plasma chemistry and processes in low temperature plasma, interfacial plasma, synthesis of nanomaterials, and interaction of plasma with surfaces, materials or biomaterials.
High Energy Density Laboratory Plasmas (HEDLP): Research directed at exploring the behavior of plasmas at extreme conditions of temperature, density, and pressure, including relativistic high energy density (HED) plasmas and intense beam physics, magnetized HED plasma physics, multiply ionized HED atomic physics, HED hydrodynamics, warm dense matter, nonlinear optics of plasmas and laser-plasma interactions, laboratory astrophysics, and diagnostics for HEDLP. The PS&T activity stewards world-class plasma science experiments and collaborative research facilities at small and intermediate scales. These platforms not only facilitate addressing frontier plasma science questions, but also provide critical data for the verification and validation of plasma science simulation codes and comparisons with space observations.

VI. High Energy Physics (HEP)

The mission of the High Energy Physics (HEP) program is to understand how our universe works at its most fundamental level. We do this by discovering the elementary constituents of matter and energy, probing the interactions between them, and exploring the basic nature of space and time. This effort is part of a global enterprise of discovery, with students and scientists world-wide working side-by-side to unlock the secrets of the universe.

Program Website: https://science.osti.gov/hep

The HEP experimental research program focuses on three scientific frontiers:

The Energy Frontier, where powerful accelerators are used to create new particles, reveal their interactions, and investigate fundamental forces;
The Intensity Frontier, where intense particle beams and highly sensitive detectors are used to pursue alternate pathways to investigate fundamental forces and particle interactions by studying events that occur rarely in nature, and to provide precision measurements of these phenomena; and
The Cosmic Frontier, where precision measurements of naturally occurring cosmic particles and phenomena are used to reveal the nature of dark matter, understand the cosmic acceleration caused by dark energy and inflation, infer certain neutrino properties, and explore the unknown.

Together, these three interrelated and complementary discovery frontiers offer the opportunity to answer some of the most basic questions about the world around us. Also integral to the mission of HEP are five cross-cutting research areas that enable new scientific opportunities by developing the necessary tools and methods for discoveries:

Theoretical High Energy Physics, where the vision and mathematical framework for understanding and extending the knowledge of particles, forces, space-time, and the universe are developed;
Computational High Energy Physics, where the framework of simulation and computational techniques are developed for advancing the HEP mission;
Accelerator Science and Technology Research and Development, where the technologies and basic science needed to design, build, and operate the accelerator facilities essential for making new discoveries are developed;
Particle Detector Research and Development, where the technologies and basic science needed to design, build, and operate the detector facilities essential for making new discoveries are developed; and
Quantum Information Science (QIS), where novel capabilities for advancing HEP research using QIS techniques are supported along with the development of QIS, aligned to the SC initiative in QIS.

The scientific objectives and priorities for the field recommended by the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel are detailed in the long-range plan available at: https://science.osti.gov/~/media/hep/pdf/files/pdfs/p5_report_06022008.pdf.

A thriving program in HEP theory and computation is essential for identifying new directions and opportunities for the field; moreover, the fields of experimental HEP and accelerator physics have always relied on inventing, developing, and adapting advanced technologies in order to enable new discoveries. In particular, HEP supports graduate training in priority areas that emphasize connections to current and future particle physics research facilities. These facilities give students the opportunities to work side-by-side with leading scientists on the latest research topics. With the adoption of many of the techniques and technologies used in HEP research by a wide range of scientific fields, the demand for skilled practitioners in many of these areas has grown significantly, while few universities have been able to maintain the infrastructure needed to provide practical, hands-on training. The SCGSR program supports students for extended residencies at HEP laboratories to receive this critical experience.

HEP’s priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Theoretical and Computational Research in High Energy Physics

This priority area supports activities that range from detailed calculations of the predictions of the Standard Model to the extrapolation of current knowledge to a new level of understanding, and the identification of the means to experimentally verify such predictions. It also supports computational, simulation, and data tools that are important for HEP research – in particular those that exploit near-term advanced architectures (ranging from supercomputers to dedicated hardware that selects events of interest in under a microsecond) and computational solutions that can be applied across the HEP science drivers. Topics studied in this priority area include, but are not limited to: phenomenological and theoretical studies that support experimental HEP research at the Energy, Intensity and Cosmic Frontiers, both in understanding the data and in finding new directions for experimental exploration; development of analytical and numerical computational techniques for these studies including incorporation of concepts from big data and analytics, machine learning, and efficient parallel computing in distributed environments; computational science and simulations that advance theoretical high energy physics or scientific discovery aligned with the HEP mission; and construction and exploration of theoretical frameworks for understanding fundamental particles and forces at the deepest level possible.

(b) Advanced Accelerator and Advanced Detector Technology Research & Development in High Energy Physics

The advanced technology R&D priority area develops the next generation of particle accelerators and detectors and related technologies for discovery science; and also for possible applications in industry, medicine and other fields. This priority area supports world-leading research in the physics of particle beams and particle detection, particularly exploratory research aimed at developing new concepts. Proposals that address advanced training in critical supporting engineering disciplines or topical areas will also be considered (see below).

Topics studied in the advanced accelerator technology R&D priority area include, but are not limited to: accelerator and beam physics, including analytic and computational techniques for modeling particle beams and simulation of accelerator systems; novel acceleration concepts; the science of high gradients in accelerating cavities and structures; high-power radio frequency (RF) sources; high-brightness beam sources; and beam instrumentation. Also of interest are superconducting materials and conductor development; innovative magnet design and development of high-field superconducting magnets; as well as associated testing and cryogenic systems. Proposals which address advanced training in RF engineering, cryogenic engineering or superconducting magnet engineering as applied to accelerator technologies will also be considered.

Four areas in accelerator science and engineering have been identified as having critical mission need for the DOE, and are the focus of DOE Traineeship programs. Applications in these areas of critical need are strongly encouraged:

Physics of large accelerator and systems engineering,
Superconducting radiofrequency accelerator physics and engineering,
Radiofrequency power system engineering,
Cryogenic systems engineering (especially liquid helium systems).

Topics studied in the advanced particle detector R&D priority area include, but are not limited to: low- mass, high channel density charged particle tracking detectors; high resolution, fast-readout calorimeters and particle identification detectors; techniques for improving the radiation tolerance of particle detectors; and advanced electronics and data acquisition systems. Proposals which address advanced training in cryogenic engineering or low-radioactivity materials as applied to particle detector technologies will also be considered.

(c) Experimental Research in High Energy Physics

The experimental HEP research effort supports experiments utilizing human-made and/or naturally occurring particle sources to study fundamental particles and their interactions. Topics studied in the experimental research program include, but are not limited to: proton-proton collisions at the highest possible energies; studies of neutrino properties using accelerator-produced neutrino beams or cosmic data, neutrinos from nuclear reactors; sensitive measurements of rarely occurring phenomena that can indicate new physics beyond the Standard Model; measurements of cosmic acceleration caused by dark energy and inflation; and detection of the particles that make up cosmic dark matter.

Applications to this priority area should explicitly address how the proposed training will enhance the applicant’s experience and abilities in the critical areas of particle detector instrumentation and/or computational science including incorporation of concepts from big data and analytics machine learning, efficient parallel computing in distributed environments, and large-scale computing for HEP. Programmatic priority in this topic will be given to those applications that most effectively address this issue.

VII. Nuclear Physics (NP)

The mission of the Office of Nuclear Physics (NP) program is to discover, explore, and understand all forms of nuclear matter.

Program Website: https://science.osti.gov/np

Although the fundamental particles that compose nuclear matter—quarks and gluons—are themselves relatively well understood, exactly how they interact and combine to form the different types of matter observed in the universe today and during its evolution remains largely unknown. It is one of the enduring mysteries of the universe: What, really, is matter? What are the units that matter is made of, and how do they fit together to give matter the properties we observe? To solve this mystery, the NP program supports experimental and theoretical research—along with the development and operation of particle accelerators and advanced technologies—to create, detect, and describe the different forms and complexities of nuclear matter that can exist, including those that are no longer commonly found in our universe.

In executing this mission, nuclear physics focuses on three broad yet tightly interrelated areas of inquiry. These areas are described in A New Era of Discovery https://science.osti.gov/np/nsac/, a long range plan for nuclear science released in 2023 by the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC). The three areas are:

Quantum Chromodynamics,
Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, and
Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos.

NP’s priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Medium Energy Nuclear Physics

The Medium Energy subprogram of Nuclear Physics focuses primarily on questions having to do with the first frontier of Nuclear Physics, Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), especially regarding the spectrum of excited mesons and baryons, and the behavior of quarks inside the nucleons (neutrons and protons). Specific questions that are being addressed include: What does QCD predict for the properties of excited mesons and baryons? What governs the transition of quarks and gluons into pions and nucleons? What is the role of gluons and gluon self-interactions in nucleons and nuclei? What is the internal landscape of the nucleons?

Experimental research is primarily carried out at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF), the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source (HIGS), and on a smaller scale at other international facilities. Two major goals of the research program at TJNAF are the discovery of “exotic mesons” which carry gluonic excitations, and the experimental study of the substructure of the nucleons using high-energy electron beams. At RHIC, the goals are to elucidate how much the spin of gluons contributes to the proton's spin and study the spin-flavor structure of sea quarks in polarized proton-proton collisions. This subprogram also supports investigations of some aspects of the second and third frontiers, Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, and Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos.

(b) Heavy Ion Nuclear Physics

The Heavy Ion Nuclear Physics subprogram focuses on studies of condensed quark-gluon matter at extremely high densities and temperatures characteristic of the infant Universe. Only two facilities in the world are capable of exploring the properties nuclear matter in these conditions, the U.S. Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The goal is to explore and understand unique manifestations of QCD in this many-body environment and their influence on the Universe’s evolution. Important avenues of investigation are directed at resolving properties of the quark gluon plasma at different length scales and learning more about its physical characteristics including its temperature, the energy loss mechanism for quarks and gluons traversing the plasma, determining the speed of sound in the plasma, measuring the effect of the chiral magnetic force, understanding how quarks fragment and recombine to form hadronic matter (hadronization), and locating a possible critical point for the transition between the plasma and normal matter.

(c) Fundamental Symmetries

The Fundamental Symmetries program investigates aspects of the third frontier identified by NSAC - Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos. Questions addressed in this frontier include: What is the nature of the neutrinos, what are their masses, and how have they shaped the evolution of the universe? Why is there now more matter than antimatter in the universe? What are the unseen forces that were present at the dawn of the universe but disappeared from view as the universe evolved? The subprogram supports measurements addressing these questions via techniques and experiments that rely on capabilities unique to nuclear science. Examples include experiments to measure, or set a limit on, the neutrino mass and to determine if the neutrino is its own antiparticle. Experiments with cold neutrons also investigate the dominance of matter over antimatter in the universe, as well as other aspects of Fundamental Symmetries and Interactions.

(d) Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics

The Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics program investigates aspects of the second frontier identified by NSAC— Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics. Questions include: What is the nature of nucleonic matter? What is the origin of simple patterns in complex nuclei? What is the nature of neutron stars and dense nuclear matter? What is the origin of the elements in the cosmos? What are the nuclear reactions that drive stars and stellar explosions? Major goals of this subprogram are to develop a comprehensive description of nuclei across the entire nuclear chart, to utilize rare isotope beams to reveal new nuclear phenomena and structures unlike those that are derived from studies using stable ion beams, and to measure the cross sections of nuclear reactions that power stars and spectacular stellar explosions and are responsible for the synthesis of the elements.

(e) Nuclear Theory

The Nuclear Theory subprogram supports theoretical research at universities and DOE national laboratories with the goal of improving our fundamental understanding of nuclear physics, interpreting the results of experiments, and identifying and exploring important new areas of research. This subprogram addresses all of the field’s scientific thrusts described in NSAC’s long range plan, as well as the specific questions listed for the experimental subprograms above. Theoretical research on QCD (the fundamental theory of quarks and gluons) addresses the questions of how the properties of the nuclei, hadrons, and nuclear matter observed experimentally arise from this theory, how the phenomenon of quark confinement arises, and what phases of nuclear matter occur at high densities and temperatures. In Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, theorists investigate a broad range of topics, including calculations of the properties of stable and unstable nuclear species, the limits of nuclear stability, the various types of nuclear transitions and decays, how nuclei arise from the forces between nucleons, and how nuclei are formed in cataclysmic astronomical events such as supernovae and neutron star mergers. In Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos, nucleons and nuclei are used to test the Standard Model, which describes the interactions of elementary particles at the most fundamental level. Theoretical research in this area is concerned with determining how various (beyond) Standard Model aspects can be explored through nuclear physics experiments, including the interactions of neutrinos, unusual nuclear transitions, rare decays, and high-precision studies of cold neutrons.

(f) Nuclear Data and Nuclear Theory Computing

This area includes research related to the U.S. Nuclear Data Program (USNDP), as well as several activities that facilitate the application of high performance computing to nuclear physics. The USNDP collects, evaluates, and disseminates nuclear physics data for basic and applied nuclear research with its support of the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC). The NNDC maintains open databases of scientific information gathered over the past 50+ years of research in nuclear physics. The USNDP also addresses gaps in the data through targeted experimental studies, modeling and simulation, and the use of theory. “Nuclear Theory Computing” includes the NP component of the ASCR program Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC), which promotes the use of supercomputers to solve computationally challenging problems of great current interest. Recent topics in computational nuclear physics investigated under SciDAC include the theory of quarks and gluons on a lattice (LQCD), studies of a wide range of applications of models of nuclei and nuclear matter, internal structure of nucleons and nuclei in terms of quarks and gluons and their dynamics, and problems in nuclear astrophysics such as nucleosynthesis and gravity-wave generation in supernovae and neutron star mergers, and the development of theoretical techniques for incorporating LQCD results in traditional many-body nuclear physics calculations. SCGSR applications in this area might include for example highly computational research programs in nuclear theory, or experimental studies of relevance to the national nuclear data program.

(g) Accelerator Research and Development for Current and Future Nuclear Physics Facilities

The Nuclear Physics program supports a broad range of activities aimed at research and development related to the science, engineering, and technology of heavy-ion, electron, and proton accelerators and associated systems. Areas of interest include the R&D technologies of the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), with heavy ion and polarized proton beams; linear accelerators such as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF); and development of devices and/or methods that would be useful in the generation of intense rare isotope beams for the next generation rare isotope beam accelerator facility, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) currently under construction at Michigan State University. Also of interest is R&D in accelerator science and technology in support of next generation Nuclear Physics accelerator facilities such as an electron-ion collider (EIC) under development to be built at BNL.

(h) Quantum Information Science for Experimental and Computational Nuclear Physics

The nuclear physics community seeks to fully develop the capabilities of Quantum Information Systems (QIS) and quantum computing for nuclear physics research with special emphasis on areas in quantum chromodynamics, fundamental symmetries, nuclear structure, and nuclear astrophysics. Proposals should address the Priority Research Opportunities as identified in the October 2019 report from the Nuclear Scientific Advisory Committee “Nuclear Physics and Quantum Information Science” https://science.osti.gov/np/nsac/Reports. Key areas include quantum computing and quantum simulation related to progress in quantum field theory and many-body physics and quantum sensor development applicable to nuclear physics research efforts. Further information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/np/Research/Quantum-Information-Science.

(i) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Nuclear Physics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have tremendous potential within NP Research. Advancements in the nuclear physics research infrastructure generate both experimental and computation data, and all top priorities in the NSAC Long Range Plan benefit from researching and applying AI and ML methods with well-understood uncertainty quantification, both systematic and statistical, to accelerator science, NP experimentation, and NP theory. Applicants should refer to Section 2 “Priority Research Directions” in the 2020 AI for Nuclear Physics Report, https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.05422, for detailed NP priority areas in AI and ML.

(j) Advanced Detector Technology Research and Development in Nuclear Physics

The advanced detector technology R&D is forward looking to innovative concepts and emerging technologies that provide new pathways to discovery science. This priority area supports detector R&D that is substantially beyond the current state-of-the-art. Proposals that are incremental improvements or test and characterize available detectors or systems are of less importance. Proposals that address advanced training in novel on-the-horizon disruptive technologies will also be considered.

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), to be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory, will generate novel detector research and development effort. The physics goals of the EIC requires advancements in detector technology to optimize the physics outcome of the experiments. Relevant details can be found at the website: https://www.bnl.gov/eic/. This resource specifies targeted technologies for research and development as well as the machine parameters, kinematics of the basic physics processes, and detector performance requirements specific to the EIC.

EXCLUSIONS: NP does NOT support investigations into the development of nuclear reactors for purposes outside the scope of the NP priority areas described above.

VIII. Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP)

The mission of the Office of Isotope R&D and Production, commonly referred to as the DOE Isotope Program (DOE IP), is to produce and/or distribute stable isotopes and radioisotopes in short supply or unavailable in the U.S., including related isotope services; maintain mission readiness of critical national infrastructure and core competencies needed to manufacture isotopes and ensure national preparedness to respond to supply chain gaps during a national crisis; conduct R&D to develop transformative isotope production, separation, and enrichment technologies to enable federal, academic, and industrial innovation, research, and emerging technologies; nurture a diverse and inclusive domestic workforce with unique and world-leading core competencies; and mitigate U.S. dependence on foreign supplies of isotopes and promote robust domestic supply chains for U.S. economic resilience. The DOE IP relies on expertise across numerous technical disciplines to accomplish its mission, including nuclear and radiochemistry, nuclear physics, accelerator and reactor science, materials science and engineering, separations science, nuclear data, and others. The DOE IP utilizes domestic facilities and capabilities for the production and distribution of stable and radioactive isotopes to research, federal, and commercial entities. Radioactive and enriched stable isotopes are made available using unique facilities stewarded by DOE IP at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. DOE IP also coordinates and supports isotope production at a suite of universities and other national laboratories throughout the nation to promote a reliable, domestic supply of isotopes.

While not an exhaustive list, four broad topics of interest to the DOE IP R&D portfolio are listed below. The topics seek the development of advanced, cost-effective, and efficient technologies for producing, processing (including isotopic separations, and the development of biological tracers), extracting, recycling, and distributing isotopes in short supply. This includes technologies for production of radioisotopes using reactor and accelerator facilities, extraction radioisotopes from legacy materials or other sources, and enrichment of stable and radioisotopes. Workforce development is viewed as an essential component of the Program’s R&D portfolio.

Excluded from this call are applications related to the production of Mo-99 and Pu-238, as these isotopes are under the purview of the National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Materials Management and Minimization and the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, respectively. A primary document that has guided DOE IP priorities is entitled “Meeting Isotope Needs and Capturing Opportunities for the Future: The 2015 Long Range Plan for the DOE-NP Isotope Program.” This document may be accessed at:https://science.osti.gov/~/media/np/nsac/pdf/docs/2015/2015_NSACI_Report_to_NSAC_Final.p df. Additional information about the DOE IP may be found at: https://science.osti.gov/Isotope-Research-Development-and-Production.

The DOE IP’s priority research areas for SCGSR program include:

(a) Targetry and Isotope Production Research

Applications to this topic should be focused on novel or improved capabilities for inducing transmutation of atoms in targets to create radioisotopes that strongly align with the DOE IP mission space. This includes aspects of targetry and target fabrication, as well as the development of innovative approaches, including integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) techniques to model and predict the behavior of targets undergoing irradiation to optimize yield and minimize target failures during routine isotope production. It is understood that accelerator- and reactor-based isotope production have different considerations. Applications to this topic can address either production modality. Robotics and advanced manufacturing techniques, as they apply to isotope production and processing, may also be proposed.

(b) Nuclear and Radiochemical Separation, Purification, and Radiochemical Synthesis

Work in this topic is broadly applicable to the improvement and/or development of novel chemical and physical processes to recover and purify radioisotopes from multiple sources. Applications proposing scopes of work dealing with isotopes resulting from activated targets along with those not necessarily resulting from direct transmutation of target material (e.g., the recovery and purification of radioisotopes from legacy materials, facility components, used nuclear fuel, or waste streams/effluents of other processing efforts) are also considered responsive. Scopes of work should be strongly aligned with the DOE IP mission space inclusive of any potential workforce development activities (e.g., travel bursaries for students and postdoctoral trainees to present results at scientific conferences).

Additionally, the development or synthesis of chemical constructs with physical or chemical properties that make them particularly useful in the isotope science landscape (e.g., the synthesis and development of novel chelating agents or other ligands) are programmatically very relevant. Development of automated production and processing techniques to enhance the efficiency and safety of radioisotope production and processing (including uses of AI or ML and advanced manufacturing) are also encouraged. It is important to note that the development of purification and separation techniques may, but do not have to, include the handling of radioactive materials or irradiation of targets (e.g., experiments based on surrogate material are acceptable).

(c) Biological Tracers, Imaging, and Therapeutics

Work in this topic should be focused on the development of isotopes that might be useful as biological tracers, imaging and/or therapeutic agents. The development or modification of chemical constructs which have physical or chemical properties that make them particularly useful with isotopes in this category would also be considered responsive. Included in this topic are the modification of existing agents, synthesis and development of novel ligands, pharmacokinetic modifying linkers, or other hydrodynamic volume altering compounds. Please note that DOE IP funds only basic science R&D. Studies investigating the applications of isotopes will not be considered for funding.

(d) Isotope Enrichment Technology

Work in this area should advance current technologies in electromagnetic isotope separation (EMIS), atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS), thermal diffusion and novel enrichment approaches. Responsive work scope might explore, but are not limited to: the development of EMIS-based ion sources capable of greater than 20% ionization efficiency of the lanthanide and actinide series of elements at 1 mA intensity or greater; understanding the plasma chemistry and atomic physics effects associated with high intensity heavy ion plasma and ion sources; understanding the sputter physics of materials with energy and angular dependence; development of high efficiency, high purity magnetized radiofrequency driven ion source technology for EMIS-based enrichment; resolving the uncertainty around applying modern approaches to AVLIS isotope enrichment.

In addition, the specifications for feed stock and resulting chemistry are often very process dependent. This can lead to material compatibility issues when working across different enrichment technologies. DOE IP is interested in applications focused on mitigating these material compatibility issues. Responsive work scope might explore, but is not limited to, plasma/ion formation of challenging feed material and chemistry, physics, or engineering-based materials analyses. The development of enrichment techniques and capabilities to produce hydrogen (H-2 or deuterium) are also encouraged. Studies aimed at the development of automated techniques to enhance the efficiency and safety of materials processing and enrichment (including uses of AI or ML, multi-physics modeling, and advanced manufacturing) are also encouraged.

Office of Science Priority Research Areas for SCGSR Program

Priority Research Areas for SCGSR 2025 Solicitation 1

I. Convergence Research Topical Areas

II. Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)

III. Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

IV. Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

V. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)

VI. High Energy Physics (HEP)

VII. Nuclear Physics (NP)

VIII. Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP)

I. Convergence Research Topical Areas

II. Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)

III. Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

IV. Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

V. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)

VI. High Energy Physics (HEP)

VII. Nuclear Physics (NP)

VIII. Isotope R&D and Production (DOE IP)

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