Keaton PetersThe U.S. Department of Energy is looking to accelerate scientific research and bring new institutions into its academic ecosystem. Through a new $31 million funding initiative, the agency is supporting research projects at institutions in multiple states, with a particular focus on emerging research organizations and institutions that serve historically underrepresented groups.
The funding comes through DOE’s Funding for Accelerated, Inclusive Research (FAIR) initiative, which looks to build partnerships between universities and DOE’s national laboratories. The projects will focus on basic research across physics, chemistry and materials science.
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As the DOE looks to advance a number of emerging technologies, expanding research capacity at a broader range of institutions could help accelerate breakthroughs while creating new opportunities for students and researchers from diverse backgrounds.
California leads the state-by-state distribution with seven funded projects, including research at the University of California Merced, San Diego State University and Cal State East Bay.
Georgia follows with three projects at Kennesaw State University, focusing on topics ranging from magnetic topological materials to quantum physics.
Texas also secured multiple awards, with projects at universities including Texas State University and Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.
The selected projects showcase the breadth of current scientific inquiry. At Florida A&M University, researchers will work on nanoparticle characterization and cryogenic boiling heat transfer.
Fisk University scientists will develop novel methods for radiation detection, while researchers at North Carolina Central University will delve into atomic structures at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Several projects focus on clean energy and advanced materials. The University of Massachusetts Lowell will explore chemical separations of carbon, while Northern Illinois University researchers will work on developing novel electrolytes for better battery performance. At Chapman University, scientists will study ultrafast dynamics of photocatalysts, which could advance clean energy technologies.
The funding has a strong focus on institutions that historically haven’t been major recipients of DOE research dollars. Of the 36 institutions receiving awards, 33 are classified as emerging research institutions. The recipients include six Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They also include six Hispanic-Serving Institutions, three Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions and eight institutions that qualify as both, according to the DOE announcement.
A full list of projects is available through the FAIR program’s website. Each project will receive funding for up to three years, with awards determined through a competitive peer review process.
While the Department has announced selections, final funding is contingent upon successful contract negotiations between DOE and the institutions.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
