DOE Research in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering
Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).
Program Summary
The objective of this program is to provide research opportunities to single investigators or small- group researchers with an aim to expand current knowledge or explore new frontiers of knowledge leading to significant advances in the fundamental understanding of basic plasma science and engineering. Research projects are generally expected to support students, postdocs, or individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals historically underrepresented in the research community.
The specific areas of interest are the following:
1. Dynamical Processes in Plasma
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to understanding: (1) the onset of magnetic reconnection and trigger mechanisms for explosive instabilities in nature (solar flares, geomagnetic storms) and in the laboratory; (2) magnetic dynamo processes by which magnetic
fields are generated in the laboratory and astrophysical plasmas; (3) mechanisms by which energy is transferred between fields, flows, and particles; and (4) how energy is partitioned in various forms (thermal, magnetic, turbulent). Integrated research projects, involving detailed laboratory experiments or data, advanced modeling or simulation, and observation data from one or more advanced spacecraft or satellite missions including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS), Parker Solar Probe, are encouraged.
2. Nonneutral, Ultracold Neutral, and Dusty Plasma Physics
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to understanding: (1) trapped antimatter plasmas to probe the symmetries of nature and recreate the conditions of exotic astrophysical plasmas; (2) how coherent structures are created through the electrical self-fields of the plasma and its interactions with waves; and (3) properties of strongly coupled dusty plasmas and dusty plasma in strong magnetic fields. Integrated research projects, combining precision measurements, theory and modeling, and/or providing a test for theoretical models, are encouraged.
3. Low Temperature Plasma Processes
Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to: (1) innovative, predictive control and manipulation of plasma kinetics and energy distribution functions; (2) understanding underlying mechanisms and plasma interactions with liquid, pathogens, and biomaterials through activated surface processes and chemical reactions; and (3) the predictive understanding of self- organization or pattern formation in plasmas interacting with surfaces. Integrated research projects, combining detailed laboratory experiments or data, theory, and advanced modeling or simulation, are encouraged.
Deadlines
- CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST February 2, 2025
- DOE Pre-Application Deadline: 3:00pm MST February 14, 2025
- DOE Application Deadline: 9:59pm MST April 4, 2025
Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)
- Project Summary (2 pages maximum): Provide a clear and concise description of the objectives and technical approach of the proposed research. Include sufficient technical information on one or more research topics identified on the solicitation, including a short description with references on how the proposed work addresses frontier-level research in basic plasma science and engineering, and a brief description of the proposed team, including students, postdocs, or individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as individuals historically underrepresented in the research community.
- Lead PI Curriculum Vitae
- Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.
To access the online application, visit:
Eligibility
The PI on a pre-application or application may be listed as a Co-PI or senior/key personnel on no more than one other proposed subaward or separate submission. An individual other than the PI may be listed as a Co-PI or senior/key personnel on no more than two proposed subawards or separate submissions.
Limited Submission Guidelines
Applicant institutions are limited to no more than 2 pre-applications.
Award Information
- Floor: $300,000 over 3 years
- Ceiling: $900,000 over 3 years
- Period of Performance: 3 years
- Number of Awards: 10
Pre-Application Review Criteria
The internal review will be based on the following criteria:
- Responsiveness to the objectives of the NOFO as stated in Section III.
- Scientific and technical merit.
- Appropriateness of the proposed research approaches.
- Likelihood of scientific impact.
The decision to encourage or discourage the submission of an application may also be influenced by the following factors:
- Relevance of the proposed activity to SC/FES priorities.
- Ensuring an appropriate balance of activities within SC/FES programs.
- Performance under current awards.
- Ensuring a distribution of supported researchers at various career stages.
- Promoting the diversity of supported investigators and institutions.
- Increasing participation of institutions historically underrepresented in the SC research portfolio.