Funding Opportunities in Energy

Schmidt Science Fellows

Schmidt Science Fellows Science Leadership Program is accepting applications for diverse PhD applicants who are committed to pursuing a year or more of postdoctoral study in a field different from their PhD discipline. Fellows must be nominated by their PhD awarding institution and must meet the degree requirements of their PhD, including a successful defense between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026. The internal deadline is April 14, 2025, with sponsor deadline of July 14, 2025. Further information here.

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation accepting Letters of Inquiry on Interdisciplinary Social Science Research on Energy System Interactions in the U.S.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is accepting LOIs on interdisciplinary social science research on energy system interactions in the U.S. Approximately 4-6 grants of $500,000 to $1,000,000 are to be made in this area, led by early- and mid-career scholars. Projects are expected to involve interdisciplinary researchers and emphasize student training. Submissions are due on March 25, 2025. Further information here. 

National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program

The NRT program is accepting proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop skills, knowledge, and competencies required for various STEM careers. The program is dedicated to interdisciplinary and convergent research through traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. OVPR’s internal deadline for applications is April 21, 2025 and full applications are due September 8, 2025. Read further internal submission guidelines here and full program information here. 

Strengthening American Infrastructure (SAI)

NSF’s SAI opportunity seeks to stimulate human-centered fundamental and transformative research aimed at strengthening American infrastructure. Effective infrastructure projects improve socioeconomic activity and improve quality of life and this opportunity focuses on how fundamental knowledge about human reasoning and processes impacts the building and maintenance of effective infrastructure. Proposals are due April 17, 2025. Further information here. 

Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC)

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued DE-FOA-0003518, “Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC)”, which supports the bioenergy technologies office priorities in conversion and renewable carbon resources. It specifically supports research and development of domestic chemicals and fuels from a variety of biomass and waste resources. Concept papers are due March 14, 2025 and applications are due May 30, 2025. Further information here. 

Applications open for the 2025 New Energy Summer Summit at Dartmouth

The Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth College is inviting early-career scholars in energy transitions and/or climate to apply for the 4th annual New Energy Summer Summit, to be held June 22-25 on the Dartmouth college campus. The mission of the summit is to increase the capacity of early-stage energy and climate researchers to accelerate transitions to equitable and sustainable energy systems and a healthy climate via interdisciplinary scholarship and collaboration. Advanced PhD students, postdocs, and assistant professors from any discipline are welcome to apply. Accepted applicants receive travel and lodging reimbursement to attend the summit. Complete the application form by March 17, 2025 and reach out to Dr. Megan Litwhiler at [email protected] with questions. 

DOE’s Office of Science is Accepting Applications for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research Awards

DOE’s Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2025 solicitation cycle of the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. The first SCGSR application assistance workshop will be held March 6, 2025 from 2-3:30 pm and will focus on an overview of the application requirements and time for attendees to discuss research topics; register here. The second workshop will be held April 10, from 2-4:30 pm and will guide attendees through the application process and provide opportunities for discussion; register here. The SCGSR applications are due May 7, 2025. Further information here. 

EPA EmPOWER Air Data Challenge

The EPA EmPOWER Air Data Challenge is focused on the use of power sector and environmental quality data for innovative analyses, tools, and visualizations in order to improve understanding of electricity generation and use. The Challenge invites researchers to propose projects that advance the knowledge, use, and understanding of the Clean Air and Power Division’s power sector and environmental quality data. EPA is accepting applications until March 14, 2025. Further information here. 

Fiscal Year 2025 Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator

The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the FY25 Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator funding opportunity. This opportunity seeks to address the lack of private investment available to successfully commercialize research and development activities that help bring innovative photovoltaic technology to market. While prime recipients of the awards funded through this funding opportunity will be for-profit entities, institutions of higher education are an eligible subrecipient. Applications will be selected from three topic areas: 1) crystalline silicon (c-Si) module technology; 2) Cadmium telluride (CdTe) module technology; and 3) Non-module hardware technology. Concept papers are due March 21, 2025 and full applications are due May 30, 2025. Further information here.