42 USC 16534 - Department of Energy early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 02, 2024

§ 16534.

Department of Energy early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers

(a)

Grant awards

(b)

Amount and duration

(1)

Amount

The amount of a grant awarded under this section shall be—

(A)

not less than $80,000; and

(B)

not more than $125,000.

(2)

Duration

(c)

Eligibility

(1)

In general

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an individual shall, as determined by the Director—

(A)

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);

(B)

have demonstrated promise in a science, engineering, or mathematics field relevant to the missions of the Department; and

(C)

be employed—

(i)

in a tenure track-position as an assistant professor or equivalent title at an institution of higher education in the United States;

(ii)

at an organization in the United States that is a nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organization such as a museum, observatory, or research laboratory; or

(iii)

as a scientist at a National Laboratory.

(2)

Waiver

(d)

Selection

(e)

Selection process and criteria

(1)

Proposal

(2)

Evaluation

In evaluating the proposals submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall take into consideration, at a minimum—

(A)

the intellectual merit of the proposed project;

(B)

the innovative or transformative nature of the proposed research;

(C)

the extent to which the proposal integrates research and education, including undergraduate education in science and engineering disciplines; and

(D)

the potential of the applicant for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge.

(f)

Diversity requirement

(1)

In general

(2)

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—

(A)

part B institutions, as defined in section 1061 of title 20; and

(B)

minority institutions, as defined in section 1067k of title 20.

(g)

Report on recruiting and retaining early career science and engineering researchers at National Laboratories

(1)

In general

(2)

Inclusions

The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A)

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;

(B)

an evaluation of the impact of the incentives described in subparagraph (A) on—

(i)

the careers of young scientists and engineers at the National Laboratories; and

(ii)

the quality of the research at the National Laboratories and in Department programs;

(C)

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

(D)

the amount of funding devoted to efforts to recruit and retain young researchers, and the source of the funds.

(h)

Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, § 5006, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 615; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, § 902(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045.)

cite as: 42 USC 16534