The DOE SC High Energy Physics (HEP) program hereby announces its interest in receiving applications for the REaching a New Energy sciences Workforce for High Energy Physics (RENEW-HEP) initiative. This program is intended to support training and research experiences in support of particle physics for members of underserved communities, with the dual goals of : (1) increasing the likelihood that participants from underrepresented populations, such as those present at minority serving institutions (MSIs)1 , will pursue a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) related field; and (2) supporting investigators and building research infrastructure at institutions that have not traditionally been part of the particle physics portfolio.

This program is informed and influenced by the recommendations in recent reports including the American Institute of Physics TEAM-UP report (AIP TEAM-UP Report webpage, n.d.) [1]. Applicants to this FOA should be aware of factors identified within that report that may influence the success or failure of trainees funded through this FOA. Some of the most relevant factors include the creation of an environment conducive to the development of a sense of belonging amongst participants, success in fostering a strong sense of physics identity among the participants, and the availability of support to “help students advance academically while earning money”. In addition, the longer duration of the traineeships envisioned here can provide opportunities for more senior participants to help mentor incoming participants, an activity that can support the desire to give back to one’s community and further bolsters physics identity.

Awards for traineeships are expected to include support for research in the particle physics portfolio as articulated in DE-FOA-0002546[2]. Applications from MSIs are particularly sought, though it is anticipated that groups from research institutions where substantial research infrastructure is already in place may play an important role in recruiting and hosting participants or cohorts of participants from neighboring institutions, either directly or through partnering arrangements.

This FOA will support a program in which the concept of traineeships to broaden diversity in particle physics will be evaluated. Applicants are cautioned that renewal funding, subject to the availability of future appropriations, is contingent on the success and achievements of the overall traineeship initiative. At present, HEP does not expect, encourage, or prohibit any recipient under this FOA from submitting future applications for renewal funding.

Applicant institutions are limited to no more than 3 applications. Interested applicants from within Duke should contact dukeiln@duke.edu as early as possible.

Deadline: July 27, 2022