Sponsored Research
Our Work for Others program benefits federal agencies and Argonne by advancing our research goals through collaborative engagement on some of the nation's most important research challenges, including work associated with homeland security.

Argonne National Laboratory can perform work for a number of different federal and non-federal sponsors. These "sponsored research" funds enter the lab through the "Work For Others" program. Technology Development and Commercialization at Argonne houses the Sponsored Research Office and will assist researchers through the proposal or grant application process.

In addition to responding to federal solicitations, the Argonne sponsored research program provides a means by which Argonne researchers can provide their knowledge, expertise, and access to unique Argonne facilities to fulfill R&D requirements of industry, state and municipal governments, universities, non-for-profits, small businesses, and other organizations. Irrespective of the source of funds, the sponsored research to be carried out should:

  • Be consistent with or complement the mission of Argonne and the Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Not conflict or interfere with regular ongoing programs at Argonne
  • Not put Argonne in direct competition with the domestic private sector
  • Will not generate a future burden for DOE

A primary role of Technology Development and Commercialization is to help Argonne researchers interact with the appropriate external sponsors. Private sector representatives seeking specialized research assistance from Argonne should contact our office for further information and guidance. The WFO office will facilitate the administrative process between the Argonne researcher and the private sponsor. Argonne researches who wish to apply for extramural funding, especially funding from other federal agencies, should contact the WFO office at the onset and request a solicitation review.