Department of Energy early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers
Grant awards
Amount and duration
Amount
The amount of a grant awarded under this section shall be—
not less than $80,000; and
not more than $125,000.
Duration
Eligibility
In general
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an individual shall, as determined by the Director—
subject to paragraph (2), have completed a doctorate or other terminal degree not more than 10 years before the date on which the proposal for a grant is submitted under subsection (e)(1);
have demonstrated promise in a science, engineering, or mathematics field relevant to the missions of the Department; and
be employed—
in a tenure track-position as an assistant professor or equivalent title at an institution of higher education in the United States;
at an organization in the United States that is a nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organization such as a museum, observatory, or research laboratory; or
as a scientist at a National Laboratory.
Waiver
Selection
Selection process and criteria
Proposal
Evaluation
In evaluating the proposals submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall take into consideration, at a minimum—
the intellectual merit of the proposed project;
the innovative or transformative nature of the proposed research;
the extent to which the proposal integrates research and education, including undergraduate education in science and engineering disciplines; and
the potential of the applicant for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge.
Diversity requirement
In general
Requirement
In support of the goal described in paragraph (1), the Director shall broadly disseminate information regarding the deadlines applicable to, and manner in which to submit, proposals for grants under this section, including by conducting outreach activities for—
part B institutions, as defined in section 1061 of title 20; and
minority institutions, as defined in section 1067k of title 20.
Report on recruiting and retaining early career science and engineering researchers at National Laboratories
In general
Inclusions
The report under paragraph (1) shall include—
a description of applicable Department and National Laboratory policies and procedures, including policies and procedures relating to financial incentives, awards, promotions, time reserved for independent research, access to equipment or facilities, and other forms of recognition, designed to attract and retain young scientists and engineers;
an evaluation of the impact of the incentives described in subparagraph (A) on—
the careers of young scientists and engineers at the National Laboratories; and
the quality of the research at the National Laboratories and in Department programs;
a description of barriers, if any, that exist with respect to efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers, including the limited availability of full-time equivalent positions, legal and procedural requirements, and pay grading systems; and
the amount of funding devoted to efforts to recruit and retain young researchers, and the source of the funds.