**Single-Investigator and Small-Group Research in Basic Energy
Sciences**

***Tackling Our Energy Challenges in a New Era of Science***

**The Department of Energy's Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy
Sciences (BES) announces its interest in receiving proposals from
individual investigators and small groups of investigators for basic
scientific research needed to create advanced energy technologies for
the 21^st^ century. These efforts will significantly enhance the core
research programs in BES and pursue the fundamental understanding
necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical
energy.**

**Background Information**

***Establishing the Energy Research Directions.*** In 2001, the Basic
Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) conducted a far reaching
study to assess the scope of fundamental scientific research that must
be considered to address the DOE missions in energy efficiency,
renewable energy resources, improved use of fossil fuels, safe and
publicly acceptable nuclear energy, future energy sources, and reduced
environmental impacts of energy production and use.

The scientific community responded to this BESAC study with enthusiasm
through participation in a week-long workshop, whose results were
published in early 2003 in the report, *Basic Research Needs to Assure a
Secure Energy Future*. That report inspired a series of ten follow-on
"*Basic Research Needs*" workshops over the next five years, which
together attracted more than 1,500 participants from universities,
industry, and DOE laboratories. Topics included the hydrogen economy;
solar energy utilization; superconductivity; solid-state lighting;
advanced nuclear energy systems; combustion of 21^st^ century
transportation fuels; electrical-energy storage; geosciences as it
relates to the storage of energy wastes (the long-term storage of both
nuclear waste and CO~2~); materials under extreme environments; and
catalysis for energy-related processes. Amongst these reports, research
needs in theory, modeling, and simulation have been a central theme, in
which the BESAC report, *Opportunities for Discovery: Theory and
Computation in Basic Energy Sciences*, captures major highlights.

***The New Era of Science.*** Together, these workshop reports
highlighted the remarkable scientific journey that has taken place
during the past few decades. The resulting scientific challenges, which
no longer were discussed in terms of traditional scientific disciplines,
described a new era of science -- an era in which materials
functionalities are designed to specifications and chemical
transformations are manipulated at will. Over and over, the
recommendations from the workshops described similar themes -- that in
this new era of science, we would design, discover, and synthesize new
materials and molecular assemblies through atomic scale control; probe
and control photon, phonon, electron, and ion interactions with matter;
perform multi-scale modeling that bridges the multiple length and time
scales; and use the collective efforts of condensed matter and materials
physicists, chemists, biologists, molecular engineers, and those skilled
in applied mathematics and computer science.

***The Grand Science Challenges.*** To accomplish this---to direct and
control matter at the quantum, atomic, and molecular levels---requires a
change in our fundamental understanding of how nature works. A BESAC
Grand Challenges subcommittee was convened, which examined the
roadblocks to progress, and the opportunities for truly transformational
new understanding. The results of that examination were presented in the
report, *Directing Matter and Energy: Five Challenges for Science and
the Imagination*. This new era of energy science poses five challenges:

-   How do we control materials processes at the level of electrons?

-   How do we design and perfect atom- and energy-efficient syntheses of
    revolutionary new forms of matter with tailored properties?

-   How do remarkable properties of matter emerge from the complex
    correlations of atomic or electronic constituents and how can we
    control these properties?

-   How can we master energy and information on the nanoscale to create
    new technologies with capabilities rivaling those of living things?

-   How do we characterize and control matter away---especially very far
    away---from equilibrium?

Addressing these grand challenges is key to making the transition from
observation to control of matter.

**Single-Investigator and Small-Group Research in BES**

To implement the collective recommendations of these twelve workshops,
the Office of Basic Energy Sciences is using two complementary
approaches: multi-investigator research via the Energy Frontier Research
Centers (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/EFRC.html> ) and a significant
enhancement in single-investigator and small-group projects that
currently form the bulk of the BES core research portfolio. These
single-investigator and small-group research projects have long been
recognized as a critically important engine for scientific discovery and
BES is committed to their continued strong support. It is anticipated
that approximately \$60 million will be available for
single-investigator and small-group awards starting in FY 2009, pending
appropriations. The initial award period is expected to be 3 years.
Single-investigator awards are expected to be in the range of
\$150--\$300 thousand per year; small-group awards are expected to be in
the range of \$500--\$1,500 thousand per year. No award will be funded
at more than \$1.5 million per year, with the specific exception of
awards made in Midscale Instrumentation and Accelerator and Detector
Research (see below).

**Research Areas of Interest:**

BES seeks applications in two broad areas of fundamental scientific
research:

***Grand Challenge Science***\
**The proposed research program should lie at the forefront of one or
more of the challenges described in the BESAC report *Directing Matter
and Energy: Five Challenges for Science and the Imagination***
([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/GC_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CGC_rpt.pdf)
).\
Within this broad framework, several key research areas are identified:

-   Ultrafast Science

> Basic research to observe, control and understand chemical and
> material dynamic phenomena occurring on the inherent time scales of
> the fundamental components of matter, *viz.* electrons, atoms and
> molecules. These ultrafast time scales range from attoseconds to
> picoseconds.  Research may also include the development and
> application of new tools for ultrafast science, particularly utilizing
> short x-ray pulses, and for theoretical approaches to better
> understand how ultrashort laser and x-ray pulses interact with
> matter.\
> [BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Jeff Krause, 301-903-5827, <jeff.krause@science.doe.gov>\
> James Glownia, 301-903-2411, <james.glownia@science.doe.gov>

-   Chemical Imaging

> Research to develop and apply new methods to measure the chemical
> behavior of individual molecules and reactions, with high resolution
> in both space and time in order to elucidate fundamental principles of
> chemical and material processes at the nanoscale level. The research
> will build on current single-molecule spectroscopies and microscopies
> by adding simultaneous time-dependent characterization of evolving
> chemical and material processes, ultimately with femtosecond time
> resolution.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Bill Millman, 301-903-5805,
> [william](mailto:john.miller@science.doe.gov)[.millman@science.doe.gov](mailto:william.millman@science.doe.gov)\
> James Glownia, 301-903-2411, <james.glownia@science.doe.gov>

-   Complex Systems or Emergent Behavior

> Research aimed at understanding emergent behaviors arising from the
> collective, cooperative behavior of individual components of a
> system.  This challenge of understanding how emergent behavior results
> from the complexity of competing interactions is among the most
> compelling of our time, spanning physical phenomena as diverse as
> phase transitions, high temperature superconductivity, colossal
> magneto resistance, random field magnets, and spin liquids and
> glasses.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Greg Fiechtner, 301-903-5809, <gregory.fiechtner@science.doe.gov>\
> James Horwitz, 301-903-4894, <james.horwitz@science.doe.gov>

Progress toward achieving the scientific grand challenges requires the
building of improved tools.  The following areas of interest address
research designed to provide such enabling tools.  Awards in these two
areas are expected to include both equipment acquisition and instrument
development.  Awards are capped at a total project cost of \$5 million
over the three-year project period.

-   Midscale Instrumentation

> There is a significant national need for new small to midsize,
> multi-user instruments designed to probe the detailed nature of
> materials using capabilities that are ever more subtle, sensitive and
> precise.  Primarily multi-user in nature but at a scale below that of
> major BES facilities, high priority mid-scale instrumentation needs
> include end stations at the synchrotron light sources and neutron
> scattering facilities; laser systems for ultrafast studies; micro- and
> atomic-scale characterization tools such as electron
> micro-characterization and scanning probe microscopy; high-field
> magnets; facilities for providing large crystals and other unique
> materials; and computer clusters or midrange servers for support of
> local group production computing.
>
> Applications in this area are restricted to principal investigators
> currently supported by BES, and the instrumentation requested must be
> utilized in conjunction with BES-funded projects.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Michael Casassa, 301-903-0448, <michael.cassasa@science.doe.gov>\
> James Glownia, 301-903-2411, <james.glownia@science.doe.gov>

-   Accelerator and Detector Research

> Basic research in accelerator physics and x-ray and neutron detectors
> are essential to the efficient operation and use of present BES x-ray
> and neutron scattering facilities and to the design of future
> facilities.  Areas of interest include studies of ultra-high
> brightness electron beams to drive self amplified spontaneous emission
> free electron lasers, such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS);
> collective electron effects, such as micro-bunch instabilities from
> coherent synchrotron and edge radiation; beam bunching techniques,
> such as magnetic compression or velocity bunching; fast instruments to
> determine the structure of femtosecond electron bunches; and detectors
> capable of acquiring data at very high collection rates.  Specific
> topics of current interest include: physics of gain mechanisms in
> free-electron lasers (FELs), rapid electron bunch diagnostics, and
> advanced x-ray and neutron detectors.[\
> BES contact]{.underline}:\
> Roger Klaffky, 301-903-1873, <roger.klaffky@science.doe.gov>

***Use-Inspired Discovery Science***\
**The proposed research should address one of the energy challenges
described in the ten BES workshop reports in the *Basic Research Needs*
series**
([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/list.html](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Clist.html)).\
These consist of:

-   Solar Energy Utilization

> Research is sought in two major areas: solar-to-electric and
> solar-to-fuel conversions. Many of the proposed research directions
> identified in the BES workshop report *Basic Research Needs for Solar
> Energy Utilization*
> (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/SEU_rpt.pdf> ) concern
> important cross-cutting issues, including:  (1) coaxing cheap
> materials to perform as well as expensive materials in terms of their
> electrical, optical, chemical, and physical properties; (2) developing
> new paradigms for solar cell design that surpass traditional
> efficiency limits; (3) finding catalysts that enable inexpensive,
> efficient conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels; (4)
> identifying novel methods for self-assembly of molecular components
> into functionally integrated systems; and (5) developing materials for
> solar energy conversion infrastructure.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Mark Spitler, 301-903-4568,
> [mark.spitler@science.doe.gov](mailto:richard.greene@science.doe.gov)\
> James Horwitz, 301-903-4894; <james.horwitz@science.doe.gov>

-   Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

> Research is sought to strengthen the scientific basis that will allow
> comprehensive understanding of the physical and chemical processes
> that lead to the extraction of hydrogen from its natural environments,
> storage and distribution of hydrogen, and the efficient energy
> conversion, all in a safe as well as economically and environmentally
> sustainable manner.  Particular emphasis will be given to novel
> materials for hydrogen storage, functional membranes, and nanoscale
> catalysis, as described in the BES workshop report, *Basic Research
> Needs for the Hydrogen Economy*
> (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/NHE_rpt.pdf> ).[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Raul Miranda, 301-903-8014, <raul.miranda@science.doe.gov>\
> John Vetrano, 301-903-5976, <john.vetrano@science.doe.gov>

-   Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems

> Basic research related to systems utilizing advanced fuel cycles is
> sought in areas described in the BES workshop report *Basic Research
> Needs for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems*
> (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/ANES_rpt.pdf> ), including:
> (1) understanding the fundamentals of radiation resistance and
> corrosion tolerance in materials; (2) fundamental principles to guide
> ligand design; (3) investigation of new separations approaches based
> on magnetic and electronic differences; (4) development of separations
> processes models to optimize waste minimization and minimize
> opportunities for diversion of nuclear materials; and (5) solution and
> interfacial behavior under extreme radiation flux and elevated
> temperatures.\
> [BES contacts]{.underline}: \
> Lester Morss, 301-903-9311, <lester.morss@science.doe.gov>\
> John Vetrano, 301-903-5976, <john.vetrano@science.doe.gov>

-   Electrical Energy Storage

> The use of electricity generated from intermittent, renewable sources
> requires efficient EES in order to effectively integrate it into the
> baseload grid system and to use it in transportation applications. A
> number of specific areas of research for both batteries and
> electrochemical capacitors have been identified in the BES workshop
> report *Basic Research Needs for Electrical Energy Storage*
> (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/EES_rpt.pdf> ).  These
> include:  (1) Efficacy of structure in energy storage---new approaches
> combining theory and synthesis for the design and optimization of
> materials architectures including self-healing, self-regulation,
> failure-tolerance, and impurity sequestration. (2) Charge transfer and
> transport---molecular scale understanding of interfacial electron
> transfer. (3) Electrolytes---electrolytes with strong ionic solvation,
> yet weak ion-ion interactions, high fluidity, and controlled
> reactivity. (4) Probes of energy storage chemistry and physics at all
> time and length scales---analytical tools capable of monitoring
> changes in structure and composition at interfaces and in bulk phases
> with spatial resolution from atomic to mesoscopic levels and temporal
> resolution down to femtoseconds. (5) Multi-scale
> modeling---computational tools with improved integration of length and
> time scales to understand the complex physical and chemical processes
> that occur in EES from the molecular to system scales.\
> [BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Paul Maupin, 301-903-4355,
> [paul.maupin@science.doe.gov](mailto:john.miller@science.doe.gov)\
> John Vetrano, 301-903-5976, <john.vetrano@science.doe.gov>

-   Geological Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide

> Research is sought to develop the scientific understanding that will
> underpin novel technological approaches to deep underground carbon
> sequestration. Research directions identified in the 2007 BES workshop
> report *Basic Research Needs for Geosciences*
> (<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/GEO_rpt.pdf> ) include: (1)
> understanding geochemical processes relevant to the dimensions of
> subsurface sequestration sites and incorporating realistic chemistry
> of reacting flowing fluids into predictive models of geological
> formations; (2) development of critical geophysical measurement
> techniques to enable remote probing and tracking of important chemical
> and physical processes within rock formations at depth, including
> capture of rock heterogeneity; and (3) development and application of
> fluid-flow measurement approaches and simulation tools that can link,
> and explicitly couple, chemical and physical processes at multiple
> scales.\
> [BES contact]{.underline}:\
> Nick Woodward, 301-903-4061, <nick.woodward@science.doe.gov>

-   Catalysis for Energy

> Basic research related to catalysis is sought in areas described in
> the BES workshop report *Basic Research Needs: Catalysis for Energy*
> ([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/CAT_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CCAT_rpt.pdf)).
> The workshop sought to identify basic research needs and opportunities
> in catalysis to meet the nation's energy needs. The workshop
> identified three priority research directions for advancing catalysis
> science: advanced catalysts for the conversion of heavy fossil energy
> feedstocks; understanding the chemistry of lignocellulosic biomass
> deconstruction and conversion to fuels; photo- and electro-driven
> conversions of carbon dioxide and water. The grand challenge
> identified at the core of all of these areas was to achieve detailed
> understanding of mechanisms and dynamics of catalyzed reactions, and
> controlled synthesis of nanostructures and interfaces. Such
> understanding would allow scientists to build effective catalysts with
> atom-by-atom precision and convert complex reactants to energy-storing
> products with molecular precision. The means to resolve this challenge
> is several-fold: creating new and expanding current fundamental
> theories of chemical kinetics that effectively take into account the
> dynamics and statistical fluctuations of structurally complex and
> diverse feedstocks; creating and advancing instrumentation that permit
> real-time high-resolution chemical imaging of reacting species and
> catalysts; synthesizing new and more complex catalyst structures that
> exploit multifunctionality and versatility in order to guide reactions
> through highly selective pathways.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Raul Miranda, 301-903-8014; <raul.miranda@science.doe.gov>\
> Richard Kelley, 301-903-6051; <richard.kelley@science.doe.gov>

-   Clean and Efficient Combustion

> Basic research related to clean and efficient combustion is sought in
> areas described in the BES workshop report *Basic Research Needs for
> Clean and Efficient Combustion\
> of 21st Century Transportation Fuels*
> ([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/CTF_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CCTF_rpt.pdf)).
> This workshop was charged with exploring basic research needs in the
> areas of gas-phase chemistry, combustion diagnostics, and combustion
> simulation that will enable the use of transportation fuels derived
> from non-traditional sources (oil shale, tar sands, coal, biomass) in
> a manner that optimizes engine efficiency and minimizes pollutant
> formation. Eight priority research directions were identified, two of
> which were devoted to a focus on engines or fuels and were similar in
> their strategy of working backward from technology drivers to
> scientific research needs. A third panel explored crosscutting science
> themes and identified critical gaps in our scientific understanding of
> 21st-century fuel combustion. The workshop identified a single,
> overarching grand challenge: The development of a validated,
> predictive, multi-scale, combustion modeling capability to optimize
> the design and operation of evolving fuels in advanced engines for
> transportation applications. The workshop produced a keen sense of
> urgency and opportunity for the development of revolutionary
> combustion technology for transportation based upon fundamental
> combustion science.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Michael Casassa, 301-903-0448; <michael.casassa@science.doe.gov>\
> Jeff Krause, 301-903-5827; <jeff.krause@science.doe.gov>

-   Materials under Extreme Environments

> Basic research related to materials under extreme environments is
> sought in areas described in the BES workshop report *Basic Research
> Needs for Materials under Extreme Environments*
> ([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/MUEE_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CMUEE_rpt.pdf)).
> Reaching the intrinsic limit of materials performance is a key
> challenge, and solutions to this challenge require new understanding
> regarding the most fundamental atomic and molecular origins of
> material failure. In particular, ultra-high spatial and ultrafast
> temporal resolution characterization tools are needed to observe and
> follow the initiation and evolution of atomic-scale to cascading
> macroscale damage events. Complementary advanced computational
> capabilities to simulate and predict multiscale damage from atomic to
> macroscopic dimensions are also needed. Such new understanding of
> damage and failure will underpin research to discover how atomic and
> molecular structures could be manipulated in a predicable manner to
> enable development of new materials having an extraordinary tolerance
> to function within an extreme environment without property
> degradation, or even with the ability for self-repair.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Lane Wilson, 301-903-5877; <lane.wilson@science.doe.gov>\
> John Vetrano, 301-903-5976, <john.vetrano@science.doe.gov>

-   Solid-State Lighting

> Basic research related to solid-state lighting is sought in areas
> identified in the BES workshop report *Basic Research Needs for
> Solid-State Lighting* (SSL)
> ([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/SSL_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CSSL_rpt.pdf)).
> Broad areas of discovery research and scientific inquiry were
> identified as the required groundwork for the future of SSL, which
> were condensed into the following two primary challenges. One broad
> research challenge aims to change the very paradigm by which SSL
> structures are designed, moving from serendipitous discovery towards
> rational design. The other challenge aims to understand and control
> the microscopic pathways through which losses occur as electrons
> produce light, which is identified as a primary roadblock to SSL. By
> developing a fundamental understanding of the processes that mediate
> the competing conversion of electrons to light and heat, the challenge
> of converting every injected electron into useful photons will be
> addressed. The anticipated outcomes are ultra-high-efficiency
> light-emitting materials and nanostructures, and a deep scientific
> understanding of how light interacts with matter, with broad impact on
> science and technology areas beyond SSL.[\
> BES contact]{.underline}:\
> Arvind Kini, 301-903-3565; <a.kini@science.doe.gov>

-   Superconductivity

> Basic research related to superconductivity is sought in areas
> identified in the BES workshop report *Basic Research Needs for
> Superconductivity*
> ([http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/SC_rpt.pdf](../../../../../../../../N:%5C!!_03_Bobs_old_drive_APR_2006%5CFrontPage%20Webs%5CContent%5Cbes%5Creports%5Cfiles%5CSC_rpt.pdf)).
> Many of the proposed research directions identified in the concern
> important cross-cutting issues. A central challenge with the biggest
> impact is the need to understand the fundamental mechanisms of
> high-temperature superconductivity. This is difficult precisely
> because the mechanisms are entangled with many anomalous normal state
> effects. Another primary scientific opportunity is rooted in nanoscale
> phenomenon as superconductivity's two composite building blocks have
> dimensions ranging from a tenth of a nanometer to a hundred
> nanometers. Unraveling superconductivity's mechanism with the promise
> of nanoscale fabrication, characterization, and simulation will
> provide a pathway for the rational design of and production of
> functional superconducting materials required for next-generation grid
> technology.[\
> BES contacts]{.underline}:\
> Andrew Schwartz, 301-903-3535; <andrew.schwartz@science.doe.gov>\
> Refik Kortan, 301-903-3308; <refik.kortan@science.doe.gov>

**Application Procedures**

**Universities and Other Research Institutions:**\
Potential applicants are ***strongly encouraged*** to follow the BES
guidelines for grant applications:  
<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/grants.html> .  These guidelines include an
initial contact with a suitable BES program manager (see contacts above)
and submission of a pre-application.  A pre-application will be
evaluated by the BES program manager(s) for relevance to this expression
of interest and to the existing BES research portfolio.  A
pre-application will either be encouraged for a full application or
discouraged, in which case a full application will not be accepted. 
Full applications must be submitted in response to the Office of Science
Financial Assistance Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-PS02-08ER08-01
(<http://www.sc.doe.gov/grants/FAPN08-01.html> ).

**DOE/NNSA FFRDCs (National Laboratories):**\
All potential proposals must be communicated to the appropriate BES
program manager (see contacts above) by an approved BES laboratory
coordinator.  Only potential proposals communicated to BES via approved
laboratory contacts will be considered.  The BES program manager may
request the submission of a pre-proposal for evaluation for its
relevance to this expression of interest and to the existing BES
research portfolio.  A pre-proposal will either be encouraged for a full
proposal or discouraged, in which case a full proposal will not be
accepted.  Full proposals must be submitted via the normal Field Work
Proposal process for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and should follow the BES
guidelines for preparation of proposals
(<http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/Guide_for_Lab_Rev_Docs.pdf> ).

**Special Note:**

The application guidance given above also applies to the resubmission of
a proposal based upon a revision or update of a proposal declined under
Office of Science Notice 06-13, *Basic Research for Midscale
Instrumentation*; Notice 06-15, *Basic Research for Solar Energy
Utilization*; Notice 06-17, *Basic Research for the Hydrogen Fuel
Initiative*; and Notice 07-04, *Basic Research for Advanced Nuclear
Energy Systems*. In particular, DOE laboratory principal investigators
must work through the appropriate laboratory management and communicate
with BES only via approved laboratory coordinators. And both laboratory
coordinators and university investigators are ***strongly encouraged***
to contact the appropriate BES program manager to discuss a potential
resubmission of a proposal declined under one of the above-named
Notices.