The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program 2027, offering fully funded research opportunities for outstanding PhD students to conduct part of their doctoral research at a DOE National Laboratory or User Facility.
The SCGSR Program enables graduate researchers to collaborate with world-class scientists, access cutting-edge scientific facilities, and accelerate their PhD research while expanding their professional networks. The program is designed to strengthen the next generation of scientists and engineers working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
About the SCGSR Program
The Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program supports doctoral students by providing supplemental funding to conduct a portion of their PhD thesis research at a participating U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory.
Participants work alongside leading researchers using advanced laboratories, specialized equipment, and world-class scientific infrastructure unavailable at most universities.
The programme helps students enhance the quality and impact of their doctoral research while preparing them for future careers in research, academia, national laboratories, and industry.
Program Objectives
The SCGSR Program aims to:
- Advance high-quality PhD research
- Strengthen collaboration between universities and DOE National Laboratories
- Develop future STEM leaders
- Expand access to world-class research facilities
- Support innovation in critical scientific fields
- Build the next generation of scientific researchers
Research Areas
Projects must align with the research priorities of the DOE Office of Science.
Supported disciplines include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Computational Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Nuclear Physics
- Fusion Energy Sciences
- Biological and Environmental Research
- High Energy Physics
- Advanced Scientific Computing
- Isotope Research and Development
- Energy Sciences
- Climate Science
- Quantum Information Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Engineering
- Data Science
Applicants should ensure their proposed research aligns with an eligible DOE Office of Science priority area.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful awardees receive supplemental funding to support research conducted at a DOE National Laboratory.
Programme benefits include:
- Fully funded research placement
- Access to DOE National Laboratories
- Collaboration with internationally recognized scientists
- Use of state-of-the-art research facilities
- Access to advanced scientific instrumentation
- Professional networking opportunities
- Career development within the U.S. research community
- Opportunity to strengthen PhD thesis research
Depending on the project, some participants may also have the opportunity to undertake a short international research visit to prestigious partner institutions such as:
- CERN
- RIKEN
Research Duration
Award periods range from:
- 3 months
- Up to 12 consecutive months
The duration depends on the proposed research project and approved award.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme
- Conduct research relevant to DOE Office of Science priorities
- Meet all programme eligibility requirements before applying
The programme is specifically designed for doctoral students conducting thesis research.
Research Collaboration
Each applicant must develop their proposal in collaboration with:
- Their PhD thesis advisor
- A collaborating scientist at a participating DOE National Laboratory
Applicants who do not already have a laboratory collaborator may use the programme’s list of participating scientists or contact the SCGSR programme for assistance identifying a suitable research mentor.
Application Requirements
Applications generally require:
- Online application
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of PhD candidacy
- Letters of support
- Collaboration confirmation from a DOE National Laboratory scientist
- Supporting documentation required by the programme
Applicants should carefully review all application guidance before submission.
Application Support
The SCGSR programme offers several resources to help applicants prepare competitive submissions, including:
- Application guidance documents
- Video tutorials
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Merit review criteria
- Priority research area guidance
- Application Assistance Workshops
- Eligibility resources
These resources help applicants understand programme expectations and prepare complete applications.
Professional Development
Awardees benefit from numerous career development opportunities, including:
- Working with internationally recognized researchers
- Developing advanced laboratory skills
- Expanding professional networks
- Participating in multidisciplinary research
- Learning new experimental and computational techniques
- Building long-term research collaborations
The experience significantly strengthens future academic and research career prospects.
Why Apply?
The SCGSR Program offers one of the most prestigious research opportunities available to doctoral students in the United States. Participants gain access to facilities and scientific expertise that are rarely available through university laboratories alone.
By collaborating directly with DOE researchers, students accelerate their PhD research, enhance the quality of their dissertations, and develop valuable professional relationships that can lead to future research collaborations and career opportunities.
About the Program
The SCGSR Program is sponsored and managed by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, specifically through the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS).
The programme operates in partnership with:
- DOE Office of Science research programmes
- DOE National Laboratories
- DOE User Facilities
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Together, these organizations support the development of the next generation of STEM researchers.
How to Apply
Interested PhD students should review the programme eligibility requirements, identify a collaborating DOE National Laboratory scientist, prepare all required application materials, and submit an online application during the official application period.
Applicants are encouraged to attend SCGSR Application Assistance Workshops and carefully review programme guidance before submitting their proposals.
Conclusion
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program 2027 provides an exceptional fully funded opportunity for PhD students to conduct advanced research at world-class DOE National Laboratories. Through access to leading scientists, cutting-edge facilities, and innovative research environments, participants strengthen their doctoral work while building the expertise and professional networks needed for successful careers in science, engineering, and technology.
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