The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR) will release its Cycle 21 Request for Preproposals (RFP) on March 9, 2026. Preproposals will be due April 24, 2026, and full proposals will be submitted by invitation only.
The Cycle 21 RFP will request innovative ideas for energy sciences research and collaboration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) faculty. This marks the twenty-first annual funding cycle in which UNL faculty may compete in NCESR’s internal competition for energy research grants.
NCESR provides major funding for two-year research projects to UNL faculty through collaboration with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). These 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.).
• The maximum budget for a one-year (12-month) research project is $85,000.
• For a two-year (24-month) research project, the maximum total budget is $170,000, with up to $85,000 per year. Year 2 funding is provisional and contingent on the principal investigator’s demonstration of adequate project and financial performance.
For projects awarded under Cycle 21, the effective start date for Year 1 funding will be January 1, 2027.
Any questions should be directed to Brenda Coufal at brenda.coufal@unl.edu or Sue Wesely at swesely4@unl.edu. Once released, it will also be posted on the NCESR website http://www.ncesr.unl.edu