NCESR, in collaboration with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), provides major funding for two-year research projects to University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) faculty. The NCESR funds enable UNL faculty to conduct innovative research to develop or enhance energy science and technologies and educate undergraduate and graduate students on various energy-related aspects. Faculty are expected to use NCESR’s funding as a seed to pursue major external funding. NPPD provides several letters of support for UNL faculty each year as they bid on federal grants (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc.).
Upcoming Progress Review Committee Meeting to Determine Cycle 19 Year 2 Funding
The principal investigators of the NCESR Cycle 19 seed research grants are scheduled to present their project updates to the NCESR Progress Review Committee on October 15, 2025. This important meeting will serve as a key milestone, where the committee will evaluate the progress of each project and decide which Cycle 19 grants will receive Year 2 funding.
Progress Review Committee members include NPPD liaisons, ensuring strong collaboration and oversight throughout the review process.
Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes and selected projects advancing into their second year of funding.
NCESR Advances to Final Stages in Cycle 20 Seed Research Grants Selection
NCESR is currently in a rigorous selection process for the Cycle 20 seed research grants. This year, 39 preproposals were submitted by UNL faculty, demonstrating strong interest and innovative ideas in energy-related research.
Following a thorough review, the NCESR Executive Council (EC), including NPPD liaisons, carefully evaluated each submission and invited 17 applicants to advance to the full proposal stage.
External reviewers are now assessing the 17 full proposals. The NCESR EC will review these evaluations and will hear presentations from the principal investigators on November 3, 2025. Based on these comprehensive reviews and presentations, the EC will rank the proposals and recommend funding to the NCESR External Advisory Committee (EAC).
The EAC, which also includes NPPD liaisons and other NPPD professionals, will convene on December 9, 2025, to make the final funding decisions. Eight of the 17 full proposals will be awarded seed research grants.