As part of its science and national security missions, the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE NNSA) supports a broad spectrum of basic and applied research in science and engineering at the agency’s national laboratories, at universities and in industry. Because of its continuing needs, NNSA has a special interest in encouraging development of the next generation of leaders in stewardship science.
The DOE NNSA SSGF program’s primary objective is to encourage the training of scientists by providing financial support to talented students who study and research designated areas of stewardship science accompanied by practical work experience at DOE NNSA research facilities.
Read below for a detailed description of the fields supported by the DOE NNSA SSGF. You may also view a list of current DOE NNSA SSGF fellows involved in each area of research.
Learn more about the DOE NNSA’s mission specific to stewardship science by visiting their Office of Defense Programs website.
The DOE NNSA SSGF is open to U.S. citizens planning full-time, uninterrupted study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. Those eligible to apply include senior undergraduate students and first- and second-year doctoral students focusing their studies on high energy density physics, nuclear science, or materials under extreme conditions.
DOE NNSA SSGF recipients must be enrolled as full-time graduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university and must study and research within the fellowship’s goals. During the summer, fellows should conduct full-time research related to completing their degree, enroll in classes or take a practicum assignment at one of the DOE NNSA laboratories.
In the following fields of study:
- High Energy Density Physics
- Nuclear Science
- Materials Under Extreme Conditions
he DOE NNSA SSGF program provides fellows with many unique benefits:
- A $45,000 yearly stipend (effective 9/1/2024).
- Payment of full tuition and required fees during the appointment period at any accredited U.S. university.
- An annual $2,000 academic allowance for research or professional development expenses (effective 9/1/2024).
- A term of up to four years, subject to annual renewal.
- Participation in an annual DOE NNSA SSGF program review, with related travel expenses reimbursed.
- A 12-week research practicum at one of DOE’s national defense laboratories: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory or Sandia National Laboratories (California or New Mexico).
- The option to participate in a second practicum at a different DOE laboratory.
- Augmented stipend during the practicum(s).
- The opportunity to join a larger scientific community that understands and appreciates the role stewardship science plays across a variety of science and engineering disciplines.
- Opportunities to attend and publish research results at other conferences.
