2027 Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (US)

Deadline: 04-Dec-26

The Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) provides grants to early career scientists and engineers conducting creative basic research relevant to the missions of the Air Force and Space Force. The programme supports researchers who have demonstrated exceptional ability and strong potential for conducting innovative basic research in science and engineering. It also aims to strengthen the professional development of outstanding young investigators and encourage greater engagement with Air Force and Space Force research challenges.

About the Air Force Young Investigator Research Program

The Air Force Young Investigator Research Program is designed to support early career scientists and engineers pursuing high-quality basic research.

The programme aims to:

- Foster creative basic research. - Support research relevant to Air Force and Space Force missions. - Identify and support promising early career investigators. - Strengthen professional development in science and engineering. - Encourage researchers to engage with Air Force and Space Force challenges. - Support innovative research with potential long-term mission relevance. How Much Funding Is Available? YIP awards provide up to $150,000 per year for three years. The maximum total funding available per award is therefore $450,000.

Approximately:

- 37 traditionally funded YIP awards may be made. - 3 additional YIPs may be awarded in partnership with the Laboratory for Physical Sciences in the Quantum Information Sciences discipline. - Additional awards may be possible depending on available funding. The number of awards is therefore subject to funding availability. Research Focus The programme supports basic research in science and engineering that is relevant to Air Force and Space Force missions. Applicants should demonstrate the scientific importance and innovative nature of their proposed research and explain its relevance to the missions and challenges of the Air Force and Space Force. The programme is intended for researchers with demonstrated exceptional ability and promise in conducting creative research. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include research organisations and institutions where the Principal Investigator meets the programme’s employment and citizenship or residency requirements.

Eligible organisations include:

- U.S. institutions of higher education. - Industrial laboratories. - For-profit research organisations. - Non-profit research organisations. The Principal Investigator must be employed full-time in a regular, non-contractor position at the eligible organisation. Principal Investigator Eligibility

The Principal Investigator must be:

- A U.S. citizen, - A U.S. national, or - A U.S. permanent resident. The PI must also hold a full-time regular position that is not a contractor position. Who Is Not Eligible? Researchers employed at certain federal research organisations are not eligible for the programme.

The following researchers are excluded:

- Researchers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). - Researchers at Department of War Laboratories. Applicants should confirm their institutional and employment eligibility before preparing a full proposal. Consultation With the AFOSR Program Officer Applicants are encouraged to consult with the designated Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Program Officer before submitting a full proposal. This consultation can help applicants understand the programme’s research interests and assess the relevance of their proposed work to the programme. Researchers should use this opportunity to discuss their proposed research and its alignment with Air Force and Space Force mission needs. Proposal Evaluation Proposals are evaluated through an internal review panel. The review process considers the submitted proposals and their relevance to the programme’s objectives and research priorities. AFOSR reserves the right to select and fund proposals at its discretion. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposals clearly communicate the scientific value, creativity, and mission relevance of the proposed research. How to Prepare a Strong Proposal Applicants should clearly explain the scientific significance and innovative nature of their proposed basic research.

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

- The scientific problem or research question. - The innovative nature of the proposed research. - The potential contribution to science and engineering. - The applicant’s ability and promise as an early career investigator. - The relevance of the research to Air Force or Space Force missions. - The potential long-term value of the research. - The investigator’s ability to conduct the proposed research within the host organisation. Applicants are also encouraged to consult the designated AFOSR Program Officer before submitting a full proposal. Professional Development The YIP is not focused solely on research funding. It also aims to support the early career development of outstanding scientists and engineers. By supporting promising young investigators, the programme seeks to strengthen their engagement with defence-related scientific challenges and help them develop as independent researchers. Proposal Development Costs The programme does not provide funding for proposal development costs. Applicants should therefore account for the cost of preparing and submitting their proposal independently. Submitted materials will also not be returned. Key Facts About the Air Force Young Investigator Research Program

- Programme: Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (YIP)

- Funding agency: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

- Focus: Creative basic research in science and engineering

- Mission relevance: Air Force and Space Force

- Maximum annual award: $150,000

- Maximum duration: Three years

- Maximum total award: $450,000

- Traditional YIP awards: Approximately 37

- Quantum Information Sciences partnership awar