Fiscal Year 2026 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Idaho Operations Office, has released the FY26 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) Phase II Continuation Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), designated as DE-FOA-0003539. This funding opportunity aims to extend the work of existing CINR projects funded under the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP). The CINR Phase II initiative is specifically designed to support U.S. university-led teams that have demonstrated high-quality performance in their current CINR awards and wish to pursue further, complementary research that builds upon those foundations. This continuation program emphasizes integrated, collaborative, and high-impact nuclear energy research aligned with the mission of the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE). NE's mission includes enabling continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors, facilitating the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, developing advanced nuclear fuel cycles, and maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology. To this end, the CINR Phase II NOFO supports three main application types: university-led R&D projects, mission-supporting/strategic needs R&D projects, and integrated research projects (IRPs). For FY26, DOE has introduced a new optional component — the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) supplement — which encourages the involvement of undergraduate students in nuclear research activities either through structured on-campus programs or dedicated summer research experiences at host institutions. The total estimated funding for this program in FY26 is approximately $3 million, with individual project awards ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000 and a typical performance period of two years. Up to four awards may be made under this FOA, and REU supplements may receive up to $50,000 per project. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged and, if proposed, must be supported by non-federal sources and properly documented. Applicants must be U.S. universities and colleges; other domestic entities such as non-profits, industry, national labs, and state or local governments may participate as subrecipients. All work must be performed in the U.S., and international partners may participate without receiving U.S. federal funding. To be eligible, applicants must be the lead institution of an active CINR project concluding between January 1 and September 30, 2026. Only one application may be submitted per eligible CINR project. The lead PI must be the same as the original award unless prior approval is obtained. DOE reserves the right to fund none, some, or all proposals based on merit and availability of funds. REU participation must be indicated during both the Letter of Intent (LOI) and full application phases, with a detailed REU plan required in the full application. All CINR II projects are expected to be non-proprietary, with results published for public access via the DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI). The submission process begins with a required LOI, due by January 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Full applications are due by May 20, 2026, also at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applications must be submitted through the NEUP.gov portal. Required registrations include SAM.gov, UEI, and NEUP.gov. The anticipated notification of selection is September 30, 2026, with awards expected to be made by February 1, 2027. Applicants should carefully review both NOFO Part 1 and Part 2 for detailed instructions on eligibility, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and administrative expectations. Contact for this NOFO is NEUP@inl.gov. This NOFO does not support projects focused on fusion energy, medical physics, nuclear forensics, or environmental management, which are deemed outside the scope of the NE mission.

Ensure strong alignment with NE mission areas; clearly demonstrate continuity from the existing CINR project; integrate REU students meaningfully if supplement requested.