Isotopes are high-priority commodities of strategic importance for the Nation and are essential in medical diagnosis and treatment, discovery science, national security, industrial processes, advanced manufacturing, space exploration, communications, biology, archaeology, quantum information science, clean energy, environmental science, and other fields. Isotopes can directly enable emerging technologies and contribute to the economic, technical, and scientific strength of the United States. The DOE Office of Science Program for Isotope R&D and Production (also referred to as the DOE Isotope Program or DOE IP) routinely funds research and development (R&D) in isotope science to advance fundamental understanding and develop cutting edge and efficient technologies for enriching, producing, processing, recycling, and purifying radioactive and stable isotopes in short supply. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is narrowly focused on topics involving AI/ML, enhanced processing chemistry used in matter phase changes, and separation science. Applications incorporating effective ways to train the next generation of personnel with essential knowledge and skills related to the production, processing, and purification of radioactive and enriched stable isotopes are strongly encouraged.
Deadlines:
- Required Pre-application: Feb. 17, 2025
- Application: April 17, 2025
The national interest in isotope production requires limiting eligibility under this NOFO to domestic organizations. The efforts in training and future workforce development are uniquely concentrated in institutions of higher education, closely associated nonprofit organizations, and DOE/NNSA National Laboratories at which undergraduate and graduate students may conduct research while enrolled in a degree-granting course of study.
Applicant institutions are limited to no more than 2 pre-applications, or applications for each PI at the applicant institution.
Expected dollar amount of individual awards: Between $100,000 per year and $750,000 per year
Expected award project period: 2 years