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.
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 | Next window: February 10, 2025 to March 7, 2025 |
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 | Next window: February 10, 2025 to March 7, 2025 |
Research Grants for Non-Doctoral Departments | |||
Undergraduate Research (UR) | Grants for undergraduate faculty | Faculty from non-doctoral departments | Next window: February 10, 2025 to March 7, 2025 |
Undergraduate New Investigator (UNI) | Starter grants for new faculty | Faculty from non-doctoral departments within the first 5 years of their first academic appointment | Next window: February 10, 2025 to March 7, 2025 |
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.

Proposal Submission
At this time we are not accepting proposals for the ND, DNI, UR, and UNI grant programs. The Spring Submission window will be from Monday, February 10, 2025 to Friday March 7, 2025 (Considered at the October 2025 ACS PRF Committee Meeting). The Fall Submission window will be from Monday, August 11, 2025 to Friday September 5, 2025 (Considered at the May 2026 ACS PRF Committee Meeting).