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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY For more information about the Office of Science Grant Program, go to the Office of Science Grants and Contracts Web Site. |
Reference: Annual Notice DE-PS02-08ER08-01
Grant applications submitted to the Office of Science
must fit within these program areas. You are encouraged
to call the program area contact, using the phone number located at the end of each
program area description, to discuss your research project BEFORE you submit
your application. This is a competitive process and applications will be subjected
to merit (peer) review.
From time to time, separate competitive solicitation notices may
be issued for other or more specific science areas.
In this case, follow the instructions in the
solicitation notice.
1. Basic Energy Sciences
The mission of the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program-a multipurpose, scientific research effort-is to foster and support fundamental research to expand the scientific foundations for new and improved energy technologies and for understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy use. The portfolio supports work in the natural sciences by emphasizing fundamental research in materials sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and physical biosciences. The four long-term goals in scientific advancement that the BES program is committed to and against which progress can be measured are:
The BES science subprograms and their objectives are as follows:
The objective of this subprogram is to support fundamental experimental and theoretical research to provide the knowledge base for the discovery and design of new materials with novel structures, functions, and properties. These research activities emphasize the design and synthesis of materials; the characterization of their structure and defect state; the understanding of their physical, chemical, and irradiation-induced behaviors over multiple length and time scales; and the development and advancement of new experimental and computational tools and techniques. The main research elements of the subprogram are condensed matter and materials physics; scattering and instrumentation sciences; and materials discovery, design, and synthesis. In condensed matter and materials physics - including activities in experimental condensed matter physics, theoretical condensed matter physics, mechanical behavior and radiation effects, and physical behavior of materials - research is supported to understand, design, and control materials properties and function. These goals are accomplished through studies of the relationship of materials structures to their electrical, optical, magnetic, surface reactivity, and mechanical properties and the way in which materials respond to external forces such as stress, chemical and electrochemical environments, radiation, and the proximity of materials to surfaces and interfaces. The activity emphasizes correlation effects, which can lead to the formation of new particles, new phases of matter, and unexpected phenomena. The theoretical efforts focus on the development of advanced computer algorithms and codes to treat large or complex systems. In scattering and instrumentation sciences - including activities in neutron and x-ray scattering and electron and scanning microscopies - research is supported on the fundamental interactions of photons, neutrons, and electrons with matter to understand the atomic, electronic, and magnetic structures and excitations of materials and the relationship of these structures and excitations to materials properties and behavior. Major research areas include fundamental dynamics in complex materials, correlated electron systems, nanostructures, and the characterization of novel systems. The development of next-generation neutron, x-ray, and electron microscopy instrumentation is a key element of this portfolio.
In materials discovery, design, and synthesis - including activities in synthesis and processing
science, materials chemistry, and biomolecular materials - research is supported in the discovery
and design of novel materials and the development of innovative materials synthesis and
processing methods. Major research thrust areas include nanoscale synthesis, organization of
nanostructures into macroscopic structures, solid state chemistry, polymers and polymer
composites, surface and interfacial chemistry including electrochemistry and electro-catalysis,
and synthesis and processing science including biomimetic and bioinspired routes to functional
materials and complex structures.
(b) Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences The objective of this subprogram is to support fundamental research enabling the understanding of chemical transformations and energy flow in systems relevant to DOE missions. This knowledge serves as a basis for the development of new processes for the generation, storage, and use of energy and for mitigation of the environmental impacts of energy use. New experimental techniques are developed to investigate chemical processes and energy transfer over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales: from atomic to kilometer spatial scales and from femtosecond to millennia time scales. Theory, modeling, and computational simulations are performed, from detailed quantum calculations of chemical properties and reactivity to multi- scale simulations of combustion devices. The main research activities within the subprogram are fundamental interactions; photo- and biochemistry; and chemical transformations. In fundamental interactions, basic research is supported in atomic, molecular and optical sciences; gas-phase chemical physics; ultrafast chemical science; and condensed phase and interfacial molecular science. Emphasis is placed on structural and dynamical studies of atoms, molecules, and nanostructures, and the description of their interactions in full quantum detail, with the aim of providing a complete understanding of reactive chemistry in the gas phase, condensed phase, and at interfaces. Novel sources of photons, electrons, and ions are used to probe and control atomic, molecular, and nanoscale matter. Ultrafast optical and x-ray techniques are developed and used to study chemical dynamics. There is a focus on cooperative phenomena in complex chemical systems, such as the effect of solvation on chemical structure, reactivity, and transport and the coupling of complex gas-phase chemistry with turbulent flow in combustion. In photo- and biochemistry, including solar photochemistry, photosynthetic systems, and physical biosciences, research is supported on the molecular mechanisms involved in the capture of light energy and its conversion into chemical and electrical energy through biological and chemical pathways. Natural photosynthetic systems are studied to create robust artificial and bio-hybrid systems that exhibit the biological traits of self assembly, regulation, and self repair. Complementary research encompasses organic and inorganic photochemistry, photo-induced electron and energy transfer, photoelectrochemistry, and molecular assemblies for artificial photosynthesis. Inorganic and organic photochemical studies provide information on new chromophores, donor-acceptor complexes, and multi-electron photocatalytic cycles. Photoelectrochemical conversion is explored in studies of nanostructured semiconductors at liquid interfaces. Biological energy transduction systems are investigated, with an emphasis on the coupling of plant development and microbial biochemistry with the experimental and computational tools of the physical sciences.
In chemical transformations, the themes are characterization, control, and optimization of
chemical transformations, including efforts in catalysis science; separations and analytical
science; actinide chemistry; and geosciences. Catalysis science underpins the design of new
catalytic methods for the clean and efficient production of fuels and chemicals and emphasizes
inorganic and organic complexes; interfacial chemistry; nanostructured and supramolecular
catalysts; photocatalysis and electrochemistry; and bio-inspired catalytic processes. Heavy
element chemistry focuses on the spectroscopy, bonding, and reactivity of actinides and fission
products; complementary research on chemical separations focuses on the use of nanoscale
membranes and the development of novel metal-adduct complexes. Chemical analysis research
emphasizes laser-based and ionization techniques for molecular detection, particularly the
development of chemical imaging techniques. Geosciences research covers analytical and
physical geochemistry, rock-fluid interactions, and flow/transport phenomena; this research
provides a fundamental basis for understanding the environmental contaminant fate and transport
and for predicting the performance of repositories for radioactive waste or carbon dioxide
sequestration.
(c) Accelerator and Detector Research
The objective of this program is to improve the output and capabilities of synchrotron radiation
light source and neutron scattering facilities that are the most advanced of their kind in the world.
This program supports basic research in accelerator physics and x-ray and neutron detectors.
Research is supported that seeks to achieve a fundamental understanding beyond the traditional
accelerator science and technology in order to develop new concepts to be used in the design of
new accelerator facilities for synchrotron radiation and spallation neutron sources. To exploit
fully the fluxes delivered by synchrotron radiation facilities and spallation neutron sources, new
detectors capable of acquiring data several orders of magnitude faster are required. Improved
detectors are especially important in the study of multi-length scale systems such as protein-
membrane interactions as well as nucleation and crystallization in nanophase materials. They
will also enable real-time kinetic studies and studies of weak scattering samples. This program
strongly interacts with BES programmatic research that uses synchrotron radiation and neutron
sources.
(d) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
The objective of the EPSCoR program is to enhance the capabilities of EPSCoR states to
conduct nationally competitive energy-related research and to develop science and engineering
manpower to meet current and future needs in energy-related fields. The program supports basic
research spanning the broad range of science and technology programs within the DOE in states
that have historically received relatively less Federal research funding. The EPSCoR states are
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,
Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and
Wyoming, along with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
research supported by EPSCoR includes materials sciences, chemical sciences, physics, energy-
relevant biological sciences, geological and environmental sciences, high energy physics, nuclear
physics, fusion energy sciences, advanced computing, and the basic sciences underpinning fossil
energy, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. The core activity interfaces
with all other core activities within the Office of Science. It is also responsive and supports the
DOE mission in the areas of energy and national security and in mitigating their associated
environmental impacts.
The primary objectives of the High Energy Physics (HEP) program are to explore the fundamental interactions of matter and energy, including the unknown "dark" forms of matter and energy that appear to dominate the universe; to understand the ultimate unification of fundamental forces and particles; to search for possible new dimensions of space; and to investigate the nature of time itself. In support of these broad scientific objectives, the HEP program has established specific long- term goals that correspond very roughly to current research priorities, and are representative of the program:
There are two subprograms within the Office of High Energy Physics that support research aimed at these objectives. The primary objectives of the High Energy Physics (HEP) program are to explore the fundamental interactions of matter and energy, including the unknown "dark" forms of matter and energy that appear to dominate the universe; to understand the ultimate unification of fundamental forces and particles; to search for possible new dimensions of space; and to investigate the nature of time itself. In support of these broad scientific objectives, the HEP program has established specific long- term goals that correspond very roughly to current research priorities, and are representative of the program:
There are two subprograms within the Office of High Energy Physics that support research aimed at these objectives.
This research falls into three broad categories: experimental research, theoretical research, and advanced R&D in particle detector science and technology. The goal of the last category is to enable the design and fabrication of the instrumentation needed for the physics research.
The Physics Research subprogram supports research aimed at the long term scientific goals
outlined above, especially those that have the potential to advance the field of HEP. The
subprogram has also provided graduate and postdoctoral research training for HEP scientists in
pursuit of these goals, and equipment for experiments and related computational efforts. Topics
studied include (but are not limited to) studies aimed at the long term scientific goals outlined
above, and other related studies such as studies of "dark energy", astrophysical studies and
cosmology, particle properties and mutual interactions, and theoretical studies that provide or
extend the framework of understanding for HEP.
b) Advanced Accelerator Research and Development The goal of this subprogram is to enable forefront research and development in those aspects of accelerator science and technology that have a strong potential to advance the capabilities of HEP research. The subprogram has also provided training for new accelerator scientists and had significant impact on other sciences, the economy, health, and other sectors.
The AARD subprogram supports long-range, exploratory research aimed at developing new
concepts. Topics studied include (but are not limited to) analytic and computational techniques
for modeling particle beams, advanced magnet and acceleration technologies, ultra-intense beam
sources, cutting edge diagnostic techniques, and new materials utilizing new core technologies.
Examples of recent progress include the achievement of extremely high accelerating gradients
utilizing plasma wake fields, the application of new materials and techniques to reach extremely
high magnetic fields in superconducting magnets or high gradients in superconducting cavities,
and the understanding of the complex dynamics of beams in extreme conditions. PLEASE NOTE THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice DE-PS02-07ER07-31, Annual Notice for Continuation of Availability of Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Nuclear Physics, was posted to the Office of Science Grants and Contracts Website on August 30, 2007. It may be accessed at the following web address: http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/FAPN07-31.html. The purpose of that Notice is to request that all applications for new grants be submitted prior to November 1, 2007, to permit consideration for award in Fiscal Year 2008. If the Applicant is unable to meet this deadline, the application will most likely not be considered for funding until the following Fiscal Year. Any new applications submitted after November 1, may be submitted in response to the Annual Notice - Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program. Additional requirements for applicants to the Office of Nuclear Physics can be found at: http://www.science.doe.gov/np/grants/grants.html. The Nuclear Physics program supports basic research, technical developments and world-class accelerator facilities to expand our fundamental understanding of the interactions and structures of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter, and an understanding of the forces of nature as manifested in nuclear matter. Today, the reach of nuclear physics extends from the quarks and gluons that form the substructure of the once-elementary protons and neutrons, to the most dramatic of cosmic events-supernovae. These and many other diverse activities are driven by five broad questions articulated recently by the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) in the Opportunities in Nuclear Science: A Long-Range Plan for the Next Decade. The four subprogram areas and their objectives are organized around answering these five key questions. Research activities supported by the Office of Nuclear Physics are aligned with and contribute to the overall progress of the following long term performance measures: Make precision measurements of fundamental properties of the proton, neutron and simple nuclei for comparison with theoretical calculations to provide a quantitative understanding of their quark substructure. Recreate brief, tiny samples of hot, dense nuclear matter to search for the quark-gluon plasma and characterize its properties. Investigate new regions of nuclear structure, study interactions in nuclear matter like those occurring in neutron stars, and determine the reactions that created the nuclei of atomic elements inside stars and supernovae. Measure fundamental properties of neutrinos and fundamental symmetries by using neutrinos from the sun and nuclear reactors and by using radioactive decay measurements. Contribute to the theoretical understanding of any of the above. The program is organized into the following four subprograms:
a) Medium Energy Nuclear Physics
This subprogram supports experimental research primarily at the Thomas Jefferson National
Accelerator Facility and with the polarized proton collision program at the Relativistic Heavy
Ion Collider (RHIC-Spin), directed at answering the first key question: What is the structure of
the nucleon? Detailed investigations of the structure of the nucleon are aimed at understanding
how these basic building blocks of matter are constructed from the elementary quarks and gluons
of Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD) and how complex interactions among them generate all
the properties of the nucleon, including its electromagnetic and spin properties. New knowledge
in this area would also allow the nuclear binding force to be described in terms of QCD, thus
providing a path for understanding the structure of atomic nuclei from first principles. b) Heavy Ion Nuclear Physics
This subprogram supports experimental research primarily at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
(RHIC) directed at answering the second question: What are the properties of hot nuclear matter?
At extremely high temperatures, such as those that existed in the early universe immediately
after the "Big Bang," normal nuclear matter is believed to revert to its primeval state called the
quark-gluon plasma. This research program aims to recreate extremely small and brief samples
of this high energy density phase of matter in the laboratory by colliding heavy nuclei at
relativistic energies. At much lower temperatures, nuclear matter passes through another phase
transition from a Fermi liquid to a Fermi gas of free roaming nucleons; understanding this phase
transition is also a goal of the subprogram. c) Low Energy Nuclear Physics
This subprogram supports experimental research directed at understanding the remaining three
questions: What is the structure of nucleonic matter? Forefront nuclear structure research lies in
studies of nuclei at the limits of excitation energy, deformation, angular momentum, and isotopic
stability. The properties of nuclei at these extremes are not known and such knowledge is
needed to test and drive improvement in nuclear models and theories about the nuclear many-
body system. What is the nuclear microphysics of the universe? Knowledge of the detailed
nuclear structure, nuclear reaction rates, half-lives of specific nuclei, and the limits of nuclear
existence at both the proton and neutron drip lines is crucial for understanding the nuclear
astrophysics processes responsible for the production of the chemical elements in the universe,
and the explosive dynamics of supernovae. Is there new physics beyond the Standard Model?
Studies of fundamental interactions and symmetries, including those of neutrino oscillations, are
indicating that our current "Standard Model" theory which explains what the universe is and
what holds it together is incomplete, opening up possibilities for new discoveries by precision
experiments. d) Nuclear Theory (including the Nuclear Data subprogram)
Progress in nuclear physics, as in any science, depends critically on improvements in the
theoretical techniques and on new insights that will lead to new models and theories that can be
applied to interpret experimental data and predict new behavior. The Nuclear Theory program
supports theoretical research directed at understanding all five of the central questions identified
in the NSAC 2002 Long Range Plan. Included in the theory program are the activities that are
aimed at providing information services on critical nuclear data and have as a goal the
compilation and dissemination of an accurate and complete nuclear data information base that is
readily accessible and user oriented. 4. Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) The mission of the Advanced Scientific Computing Research Program is to deliver forefront computational and networking capabilities to enable scientists to extend the frontiers of science, answering critical questions that range from nanoscience to astrophysics and include nuclear structure, the function of living cells and the power of fusion energy. For example, two long term measures for the program are:
In order to accomplish this mission, the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program supports research in applied mathematics, computer science and networking. ASCR also operates Leadership Computing facilities, a high-performance production computing center, and a high-speed network to facilitate the analysis, modeling, simulation, and prediction of complex phenomena important to the Department of Energy. The computing resources and the networks required to meet Office of Science needs exceed the state-of- the-art by a significant margin. Furthermore, the algorithms, software tools, the software libraries and the distributed software environments needed to accelerate scientific discovery through modeling and simulation are beyond the realm of commercial interest. To establish and maintain DOE's modeling and simulation leadership in scientific areas that are important to its mission, ASCR implements a broad base research portfolio in applied mathematics, computer science, and network research to underpin advances in mathematical methods, software tools, software libraries, software environments and networks needed to solve complex problems on computational resources that are on a trajectory to reach well beyond a petascale within a few years. Research areas of interest include:
a) Applied Mathematics Research on the mathematical methods and numerical algorithms that enable the effective description, understanding, and prediction of complex physical, biological, and human- engineered systems. For example, the subjects of supported research efforts may include: (1) numerical methods for the parallel solution of systems of partial differential equations, large- scale linear or nonlinear systems, or very large parameter-estimation problems; (2) analytical or numerical techniques for modeling complex physical or biological phenomena, such as fluid turbulence or microbial populations; (3) analytical or numerical methods for bridging a broad range of temporal and spatial scales; (4) optimization, control, and risk analysis of complex systems, such as computer networks and electrical power grids; and (5) mathematical research issues related to petascale science. b) Computer Science Research in computer science to enable petascale scientific applications through advances in massively parallel computing such as scalable and fault tolerant operating systems, programming models, performance modeling and assessment tools, development tools, interoperability and infrastructure methodology, and large scale data management and visualization. The development of new computer and computational science techniques will allow scientists to use the most advanced computers without being overwhelmed by the complexity of rewriting their codes with each new generation of high performance architectures. c) Network Environment Research Research to develop and deploy a high-performance network and collaborative technologies to support distributed high-end science applications and large-scale scientific collaborations. The current focus areas include but are not limited to cyber security systems, dynamic bandwidth allocation services, network measurement and analysis, ultra high-speed transport protocols, and advanced application layer services that make it easy for scientists to effectively and efficiently access and use distributed resources, such as advanced services for group collaboration, secure services for remote access of distributed resources, and innovative technologies for sharing, controlling, and managing distributed computing resources. (d) Broadening Participation and Collaboration
Activities that develop innovative approaches for broadening and strengthening participation in
applied mathematics, computer science, computational science and high performance computing. 5. Fusion Energy Sciences The Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program supports the Department's Energy Security and World-Class Scientific Research Capacity goals. The FES program goal is to advance plasma science, fusion science, and fusion technology -- the knowledge base needed for an economically and environmentally attractive fusion energy source. FES supports basic and applied research, encourages technical cross-fertilization with the broader U.S. science community, and uses international collaboration to accomplish this goal. The FES program contributes to the Energy Security goal through participation in ITER, an experiment to study and demonstrate the sustained burning of fusion fuel. ITER will provide an unparalleled scientific research opportunity and will test the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power, will also be the penultimate step before a demonstration fusion power plant. The ITER negotiations have been successfully completed in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and the ITER Agreement has been initialed. Assuming the final signing of the Agreement and its ratification by the ITER parties in FY 2008, FES scientists and engineers have started supporting the technical R&D and preparations to start project construction in FY 2006. The FES program contributes to the World-Class Scientific Research Capacity goal by managing a program of fundamental research into the nature of fusion plasmas and the means for confining plasma to yield energy. This includes: 1) exploring basic issues in plasma science; 2) developing the scientific basis and computational tools to predict the behavior of magnetically confined plasmas; 3) using the advances in tokamak research to enhance the initiation of the burning plasma physics phase of the FES program; 4) exploring innovative confinement options that offer the potential of more attractive fusion energy sources in the long term; 5) advancing our understanding of high energy density laboratory plasmas and exploring attractive pathways to attaining states of high energy density matter, (in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration); 6) developing the cutting edge technologies that enable fusion facilities to achieve their scientific goals; and 7) advancing the science base for innovative materials to establish the economic feasibility and environmental quality of fusion energy. The overall effort requires operation of a set of unique and diversified experimental facilities, ranging from smaller-scale university experiments to large National facilities that involve extensive collaborations. These facilities provide scientists with the experimental data to validate theoretical understanding and computer models-leading ultimately to an improved predictive capability for fusion science. Scientists from the U.S. also participate in leading edge experiments on fusion facilities abroad and conduct comparative studies to supplement the scientific understanding they can obtain from domestic facilities. Operation of the major fusion facilities will be focused on science issues relevant to ITER design and operation. The United States is an active participant in the International Tokamak Physics Activity, which facilitates identification of high priority research for burning plasmas in general, and for ITER specifically, through workshops and assigned tasks. Fabrication of the National Compact Stellarator Experiment, an innovative new confinement system that is the product of advances in physics understanding and computer modeling, will continue with a target for the initial operation in FY 2012. In addition, there will be continuing efforts to investigate simulations of fusion plasmas in collaboration with the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research. There are three measures that will be used to demonstrate that progress is being made towards meeting the overall program goal over the next ten years. These performance measures are:
2. Configuration Optimization: Demonstrate enhanced fundamental understanding of magnetic confinement and improved basis for future burning plasma experiments through research on magnetic confinement configuration optimization. 3. High Energy Density Physics: Develop the fundamental understanding and predictability of high energy density plasmas for potential energy applications.
The Science and Facility Operations Subprograms The Science subprogram seeks to develop the physics knowledge base needed to advance the FES program. Research is conducted on small to large-scale confinement devices to study physics issues relevant to fusion and plasma physics and to the production of fusion energy. Experiments on these devices are used to explore the limits of specific confinement concepts, as well as study associated physical phenomena. Specific topics of interest to ITER include: (1) reducing plasma energy and particle transport at high densities and temperatures; (2) understanding the physical laws governing stability of high pressure plasmas; (3) investigating plasma wave interactions; (4) studying and controlling impurity particle transport and exhaust in plasmas; and (5) understanding the interaction and coupling among these four issues in a fusion experiment. Research is also carried out in the following areas: (1) basic plasma science directed at furthering the understanding of fundamental processes in plasmas; (2) theory and modeling to provide the understanding of fusion plasmas necessary for interpreting results from present experiments, planning future experiments, and designing future confinement devices; (3) atomic physics and the development of new diagnostic techniques for support of confinement experiments; (4) innovative confinement concepts; and (5) high energy density laboratory plasmas and issues that support the development of Inertial Fusion Energy Sciences (IFES). The high energy density physics necessary for IFE target development is carried out by the Office of Defense Programs in the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration. The Enabling R&D Subprogram The Enabling R&D subprogram supports the advancement of fusion science in the nearer-term by carrying out research on technological topics that: (1) enable domestic experiments to achieve their full performance potential and scientific research goals; (2) permit scientific exploitation of the performance gains being sought from physics concept improvements; (3) allow the U.S. to enter into international collaborations gaining access to experimental conditions not available domestically; and (4) explore the science underlying these technological advances. Research is also carried out in the following areas: (1) plasma facing components, (2) structural and special purpose materials, (3) heating and fueling technologies, (4) breeding blankets and fuel cycle and (5) safety and neutronics.
In addition, the Enabling R&D subprogram also supports pursuit of fusion energy science for the
longer-term by conducting research aimed at innovative technologies, designs and materials to
point toward an attractive fusion energy vision and affordable pathways for optimized fusion
development. 6. Biological and Environmental Research Program For over 50 years the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Program has been investing in the biological and environmental sciences related to energy production. The BER program provides fundamental science to underpin the Department's strategic plan. Specifically - Strategic Theme 3, Scientific Discovery & Innovation Strategic Goal 3.1, Scientific Breakthroughs: Achieve the major scientific discoveries that will drive U.S. competitiveness; inspire America; and revolutionize our approaches to the Nation's energy, national security, and environmental quality challenges. Strategic Goal 3.2, Foundations of Science: Deliver the scientific facilities, train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and provide the laboratory infrastructure required for U.S. scientific primacy. Through its support of peer-reviewed research at national laboratories, universities, and private institutions, the program develops the basic knowledge needed to address the following established indicators that the BER program is committed to, and progress can be measured against:
All grant applications should address one or more of these measures and/or explain how the proposed research supports the broad scientific objectives outlined above. More information on the program and the scientific research it supports can be found at our website http://www.science.doe.gov/ober/. a) Life Sciences Research
Research is focused on using DOE's unique resources and facilities to develop fundamental
knowledge of biological systems that can be used to address DOE needs in clean energy, carbon
sequestration, and environmental cleanup and that will underpin biotechnology based solutions
to energy challenges. The objectives are: (1) to develop the experimental and, together with the
Advanced Scientific Computing Research program, the computational resources, tools, and
technologies needed to understand and predict the complex behavior of complete biological
systems, principally microbes and microbial communities; (2) to take advantage of the
remarkable high throughput and cost-effective DNA sequencing capacity at the Joint Genome
Institute to meet the DNA sequencing needs of the scientific community through competitive,
peer-reviewed nominations for DNA sequencing; (3) to understand and characterize the risks to
human health from exposures to low levels of radiation; (4) to understand human genome
organization, human gene function and control, and the functional relationships between human
genes and proteins at a genomic scale with an emphasis on human chromosomes 5, 16 and 19;
(5) operate experimental biological stations at synchrotron and neutron sources; and (6) to
anticipate and address ethical, legal, and social implications arising from Office of Science-
supported biological research especially synthetic biology and nano technology.
b) Medical Applications
The research related to medical sciences is designed to develop beneficial applications of nuclear
and other energy-related technologies for bio-medical research, medical diagnosis and treatment.
The objectives are: (1) to utilize innovative radiochemistry to develop new radiotracers for
medical research, clinical diagnosis and treatment, (2) to develop the next generation of non-
invasive nuclear medicine instrumentation technologies, such as positron emission tomography,
(3) to develop advanced imaging detection instrumentation capable of high resolution from the
sub- cellular to the whole body level, (4) to utilize the unique resources of the DOE in
engineering, physics, chemistry and computer sciences to develop the basic tools to be used in
biology and medicine, particularly in imaging sciences, photo-optics and biosensors.
c) Environmental Remediation Research
The program supports research to understand the processes controlling DOE-relevant
contaminant mobility in the subsurface; to exploit that understanding in ways that ameliorate the
impacts of subsurface contamination; and to develop the tools needed to accomplish these goals.
The aim of the program is to provide the scientific knowledge, tools, and enabling discoveries
needed to reduce the costs, risks, and schedules associated with the cleanup and stewardship of
the DOE complex. Basic scientific knowledge and tools developed through this program will
elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of contaminant transport in the environment. Research
priorities include contaminant fate and transport assessment and simulation, fundamental science
supporting subsurface remediation (e.g., bioremediation), and the development of tools and
techniques to evaluate and/or validate conceptual models of contaminant mobility in the
subsurface. The research performed for this program will provide fundamental knowledge on a
broad range of DOE-specific environmental remediation problems. Applications should address
the applicability of the proposed research on subsurface transport processes of DOE relevant
contaminants in the context of remediation and/or long-term stewardship of DOE sites.
d) Climate Change Research
The program seeks to understand the basic physical, chemical, and biological processes of the
Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans and how these processes may be affected by energy
production and use. The research is designed to provide data that will enable an objective,
scientifically-based assessment of the potential for, and the consequences of, human-induced
climate change at global and regional scales. Climate Change Research also provides data and
models to enable assessments of mitigation options to prevent such a change. The program is
comprehensive with an emphasis on: (1) understanding and simulating the radiation balance
from the surface of the Earth to the top of the atmosphere (including the effect of clouds, water
vapor, trace gases, and aerosols); (2) enhancing and evaluating the quantitative models necessary
to predict natural climatic variability and possible human- caused climate change at global and
regional scales; (3) understanding and simulating both the net exchange of carbon dioxide
between the atmosphere, terrestrial systems, and the effects of climate change on the global
carbon cycle; (4) understanding ecological effects of climate change; (5) improving approaches
to integrated assessments of effects of, and options to mitigate, climatic change; and (6) basic
research directed at understanding options for sequestering excess atmospheric carbon dioxide in
terrestrial ecosystems, including potential environmental implications of such
sequestration.
7. Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists
This program provides a continuum of opportunities to the Nation's K-16 students and
teachers/faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas. This
program funds student internships, faculty and teacher fellowships and professional development
programs. The goal of this program is to prepare a diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, and
educators to keep America at the forefront of innovation, by utilizing its unique intellectual and
physical resources to enhance the ability of educators and our Nation's educational systems to
teach science and mathematics.
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