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. 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:

YIP awards provide up to $150,000 per year for three years. The maximum total funding available per award is therefore $450,000.

Approximately:

The number of awards is therefore subject to funding availability. 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. Eligible applicants include research organisations and institutions where the Principal Investigator meets the programme’s employment and citizenship or residency requirements.

Eligible organisations include:

The Principal Investigator must be employed full-time in a regular, non-contractor position at the eligible organisation.

The Principal Investigator must be:

The PI must also hold a full-time regular position that is not a contractor position. Researchers employed at certain federal research organisations are not eligible for the programme.

The following researchers are excluded:

Applicants should confirm their institutional and employment eligibility before preparing a full proposal. 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. 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. Applicants should clearly explain the scientific significance and innovative nature of their proposed basic research.

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the designated AFOSR Program Officer before submitting a full proposal. 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. 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. The YIP provides grants to early career scientists and engineers conducting creative basic research relevant to Air Force and Space Force missions. Awards provide up to $150,000 per year for three years, with a maximum total award of $450,000. Approximately 37 traditionally funded YIPs and 3 YIPs through the Laboratory for Physical Sciences partnership in Quantum Information Sciences may be awarded. Additional awards may be made depending on available funding. The programme supports creative basic research in science and engineering relevant to Air Force and Space Force missions. Eligible applicants include U.S. higher education institutions, industrial laboratories, and for-profit or non-profit research organisations where the Principal Investigator holds a full-time regular, non-contractor position. The Principal Investigator must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. No. Researchers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers are not eligible. No. Researchers at Department of War Laboratories are not eligible. Yes. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the designated AFOSR Program Officer before submitting a full proposal. Proposals are evaluated by an internal review panel. AFOSR reserves the right to select and fund proposals at its discretion. No. The programme does not provide funding for proposal development costs. No. Submitted materials will not be returned. The Air Force Young Investigator Research Program provides up to $450,000 over three years to support early career scientists and engineers conducting creative basic research relevant to Air Force and Space Force missions. The programme combines research funding with an emphasis on early career professional development and engagement with defence-related scientific challenges. Eligible researchers should demonstrate strong scientific potential, innovative research ideas, and clear relevance to Air Force or Space Force missions. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the designated AFOSR Program Officer before submitting a full proposal and should carefully review the institutional, employment, citizenship, and research eligibility requirements. For more information, visit Grants