Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

The Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research program is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Idaho Operations Office as part of the Office of Nuclear Energy’s broader mission to advance nuclear science and technology. This funding opportunity is designed to support research and development that strengthens the nation’s nuclear energy capabilities, including sustaining existing reactor operations, accelerating advanced reactor deployment, improving fuel cycles, and maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear innovation. The program is implemented through two major initiatives: the Nuclear Energy University Program, which emphasizes academic-led research and workforce development, and the Nuclear Science User Facilities, which provide access to specialized research infrastructure such as test reactors and post-irradiation examination facilities. The program offers multiple funding tracks to support a range of project types, including university-led research and development projects, integrated research projects addressing grand challenges, and projects requiring access to national user facilities. Funding is allocated across several areas with varying award sizes and durations. Individual research awards can reach up to one million dollars for standard projects and up to three million dollars for integrated research projects, typically over a three-year performance period, though projects involving specialized facility access may extend up to seven years. Additional supplemental funding is available for undergraduate research experiences to encourage workforce development. All funded research must be non-proprietary, and results are required to be publicly disseminated through the Department of Energy’s scientific information systems. Eligibility is primarily restricted to domestic entities, with U.S. universities and colleges serving as the primary applicants for most research areas. National laboratories and industry partners may participate in certain project categories or as collaborators and subrecipients. While foreign collaborators may be included, they cannot receive federal funding. All project work must be conducted within the United States, and applicants must meet federal registration requirements, including maintaining an active SAM registration and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged, and any proposed cost share must be sourced from non-federal funds. The application process is structured in multiple stages to ensure both technical quality and feasibility. Applicants may be required to submit a letter of intent, followed by a mandatory pre-application for most project types, and then a full application if invited or eligible. Pre-applications are evaluated for relevance to the nuclear energy mission and technical merit, while full applications undergo comprehensive peer review. Evaluation criteria focus on advancing scientific knowledge, technical quality and feasibility, and the capabilities of the applicant team. Additional considerations may include alignment with program priorities, diversity of the research portfolio, and the applicant’s track record in successfully executing projects. Key deadlines are clearly defined and include a letter of intent deadline in early January, a pre-application deadline in early February, and a full application deadline in early June. Selection decisions are expected by late September, with awards anticipated to begin in early February of the following year. Applicants must submit all materials through the designated online portal and adhere strictly to formatting and submission requirements. Failure to comply with deadlines or submission rules may result in disqualification. The program includes extensive administrative and reporting requirements, including compliance with federal regulations, intellectual property provisions, and data sharing expectations. Awardees must also adhere to policies related to equipment use, cost share contributions, and publication of research outcomes. Questions regarding the funding opportunity must be directed to the program’s official contact email, and applicants are encouraged to review both parts of the funding announcement to ensure full compliance. Overall, the program represents a significant federal investment in advancing nuclear energy research through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts.

Align proposal clearly with DOE nuclear energy mission priorities; demonstrate strong technical merit and feasibility; ensure collaboration with NSUF facilities early; follow formatting and submission rules strictly; integrate student workforce development where possible