DOE Office of Science
Runs DOE Office of Science, stewarding United States national laboratories and core physical science programs.
The DOE Office of Science, usually shortened to DOE SC, is the United States' largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences and operates under the Department of Energy. It stewards ten national laboratories and runs major user facilities, from particle accelerators and X-ray light sources to exascale computing centers.
Its funding reaches universities, national laboratories, and some industry partners through topical funding opportunity announcements and a standing continuation solicitation. Program offices include ASCR, BES, BER, FES, HEP, NP, DOE-IP, and ARDAP, and the portfolio runs from early-career awards to large multi-institution centers such as Energy Frontier Research Centers and accelerator programs. SBIR/STTR moved to DOE OTC in April 2026, so DOE SC now concentrates on the research and facility side of the DOE science mission.
DOE SC is strongest for proposals with a clear scientific question, a strong peer-review case, and a good fit to one program office. It also rewards teams that can make real use of national lab facilities and the shared infrastructure that sits behind the office's science portfolio.