DOE Office of Science Opens Seven-Program $8.4B Solicitation for FY2026

The Department of Energy's Office of Science has opened its FY2026 Financial Assistance Program, a rolling solicitation that covers seven core research areas and represents $8.4 billion in congressional appropriations — a $160 million increase over FY2025.

The solicitation is the single largest annual open call for basic science research funding in the federal government. Universities, national laboratories, nonprofits, small businesses, and for-profit research organizations are all eligible.

Seven Program Areas, One Application Portal

The FY2026 solicitation accepts proposals across all Office of Science research divisions:

• Advanced Scientific Computing Research — high-performance computing, applied mathematics, and computer science for scientific discovery
• Basic Energy Sciences — materials science, chemistry, and condensed matter physics
• Biological and Environmental Research — genomics, climate science, and Earth system modeling
• Fusion Energy Sciences — plasma physics and fusion technology development
• High Energy Physics — particle physics, cosmology, and accelerator science
• Nuclear Physics — nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, and isotope science
• Isotope R&D and Production — stable and radioactive isotope production for research and medical applications

The solicitation remains open throughout the fiscal year, with individual program offices releasing targeted Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) under this umbrella.

Budget Context

The $8.4 billion allocation reflects Congress's decision to increase DOE science funding by 1.9 percent despite the administration's proposed cuts. The broader DOE non-defense budget stands at $16.78 billion, including $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs — another significant funding pool for applied researchers.

The Office of Science also runs its own SBIR/STTR program, with FY2026 topics now posted. Small businesses with capabilities in computing, materials, nuclear science, or fusion should review these separately from the main solicitation.

How to Apply

Proposals are submitted through Grants.gov and must align with the research priorities of the relevant program office. Researchers new to DOE funding can explore matching opportunities and track deadlines through Granted.

Detailed coverage of DOE funding strategies and program-specific guidance is available on the Granted blog.