PRF Grant Programs
ACS PRF research grant programs support fundamental research in the petroleum field, and development of the next generation of engineers and scientists through advanced scientific education. Research areas supported include chemistry, the earth sciences, chemical and petroleum engineering, and related fields such as polymers and materials science. Membership in the American Chemical Society is not a requirement or a factor in awarding ACS PRF grants.
Proposal Submission
We are currently accepting proposals for ND, DNI, UR, or UNI grant programs to be considered at the October 2026 ACS PRF Committee Meeting. All proposals are due by 5:00 pm ET Friday, March 6, 2026.
Note: The Fall 2026 submission window will be from Monday, September 14, 2026, to Friday, October 9, 2026 (Considered at the May 2027 ACS PRF Committee Meeting).
| Program | Description | Eligibility | Submission Deadline |
| Research Grants for Doctoral Departments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| New Directions (ND) | Grants for new directions in research | Faculty from Ph.D.-granting colleges and universities | 5:00 PM ET, March 6, 2026 |
| Doctoral New Investigator (DNI) | Starter grants for new faculty | Faculty from Ph.D.-granting departments within the first 3 years of their first academic appointment | 5:00 PM ET, March 6, 2026 |
| Research Grants for Non-Doctoral Departments | |||
| Undergraduate Research (UR) | Grants for undergraduate faculty | Faculty from non-doctoral departments | 5:00 PM ET, March 6, 2026 |
| Undergraduate New Investigator (UNI) | Starter grants for new faculty | Faculty from non-doctoral departments within the first 5 years of their first academic appointment | 5:00 PM ET, March 6, 2026 |
Note: Starting with grants awarded in 2024, Departments of successful UR and UNI grant applications will be invited to apply for a competitive $25,000 of supplemental funding. Supplements aim to enhance research activities, capabilities, and engagement at the department.
