# Early Career Research Program (ECRP)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/de-foa-0003602-early-career-research-program-ecrp/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361393

> Office of Science offered grants of up to $2.8 million (at least $875,000) to colleges and universities. It expected to make about 100 awards worth $145 million in total. Applications closed on June 2, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DE-FOA-0003602 |
| Agency | Office of Science |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 2, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.8 million |
| Award floor | $875,000 |
| Expected awards | 100 |
| Total funding | $145 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 81.049 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126, Competition, eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. Institutions of Higher Education, DOE/NNSA National Laboratories (listed at https://www.energy.gov/national-laboratories), and institutions operating SC Scientific User Facilities (listed at https://science.osti.gov/User-Facilities).

## What the grant funds

DOE SC hereby invites applications for support under the ECRP in the following program areas: 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); Isotope Research and Development and Production (DOE IP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research careers in the areas supported by SC.

## Questions people ask

### Is DE-FOA-0003602 still open?

No. It closed on June 2, 2026. A newer notice is open: DE-FOA-0003673, closes January 12, 2027 (66 days left).

### Who can apply for Early Career Research Program (ECRP)?

Office of Science accepted applications from colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Early Career Research Program (ECRP)?

Closed June 2, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.8 million each. About $145 million in total across about 100 awards.

### Who has won Office of Science Financial Assistance Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Michigan State University Foundation, General Atomics, University of Wisconsin System. The program made 6,205 awards worth $7.7 billion in that time.