AFOSR Young Investigator Research Program (YIP)

AFOSR YIP

Supports early-career researchers in the United States through long-term federal science initiatives.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) funds scientists and engineers who received a PhD or equivalent degree within the last seven years and demonstrate exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research aligned with Air Force science priorities. Most YIP awards are funded at up to $150,000 per year for three years, for a total of up to $450,000. Exceptional proposals are considered individually for higher funding levels or longer durations. The program spans AFOSR's four scientific divisions: Engineering and Complex Systems, Information and Networks, Physical Sciences, and Chemistry and Biological Sciences. The YIP BAA (FA955025S0001) ran on Grants.gov through 23 March 2026, establishing the most recent annual cycle.

Eligibility is limited to full-time investigators in regular positions at U.S. institutions of higher education, industrial laboratories, or non-profit research organizations. The principal investigator must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. Researchers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Department of Defense laboratories are explicitly excluded. Foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas are not eligible to serve as PI.

Proposals are submitted through Grants.gov against the annual AFOSR BAA reference number. Program officers in each scientific division evaluate submissions for scientific merit and relevance to Air Force research interests. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant AFOSR program officer before submitting to confirm alignment with current research priorities. The YIP is a direct pathway to AFOSR's single-investigator grant portfolio, and strong YIP awardees frequently go on to compete for PECASE nominations and MURI team invitations. Contact for the program is afosryip@us.af.mil.