DOE Traineeship in Accelerator Science & Engineering | DE FOA 0001782

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001782

The DOE Traineeship in Accelerator Science and Engineering (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001782) is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science program designed to build a stronger, more specialized workforce in accelerator science and engineering. Rather than funding new research projects, the opportunity is focused on workforce development: helping U.S. universities train graduate students in degree programs that align with DOE-supported fields. The central goal is to increase the pipeline of well-prepared scientists and engineers who can support and sustain the nation s long-term capabilities in basic science, especially in areas where particle accelerators are essential tools.

Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning DOE expects an active partnership with the awardees rather than a hands-off grant structure. DOE anticipated making up to two awards, each with an award ceiling of $1,000,000. Eligible applicants include U.S. public or state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education, and proposals may come from a single university or a consortium of universities working together. The award term is expected to last up to five years, and DOE indicated the possibility of renewing for a second term, which signals an interest in supporting programs that can demonstrate strong training outcomes and sustained value.

The financial support under this traineeship is meant to directly benefit students enrolled in specific accelerator science and engineering degree programs. The opportunity allows funding for up to two years per student to cover key training costs such as tuition, a stipend, and travel. Travel support is especially relevant in accelerator fields, where hands-on experience, collaboration with national laboratories, participation in specialized schools, and attendance at technical conferences can be central to professional development. In addition to student support, the program includes modest funding for topic-specific curriculum development and program administration, allowing institutions to strengthen or modernize their training offerings, coordinate cohort activities, and manage the traineeship effectively.

A major boundary of the program is that it does not support lines of research and development (R&D). DOE is explicit that accelerator R&D should be pursued through other channels, including the High Energy Physics General Accelerator R&D and Accelerator Stewardship programs, other DOE accelerator R&D efforts, or other federal agencies. In practice, that means applications should be structured around education and training outcomes (students trained, coursework and curricula strengthened, experiential learning and professional preparation) rather than proposing new accelerator technology development as a funded research plan.

Overall, the traineeship is positioned as a strategic investment in the graduate education ecosystem to ensure the United States has a diverse, highly trained population of accelerator scientists and engineers ready to contribute to cutting-edge research in the basic sciences. By strengthening graduate-level educational efforts at domestic institutions, DOE aims to protect and extend U.S. scientific leadership and maintain the talent base needed to operate, improve, and innovate around accelerator facilities that enable research with broad public benefit.

• The Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DOE Traineeship in Accelerator Science & Engineering" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.049.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 16, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 31, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for DE FOA 0001782

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