Air Force launches Young Investigators Research Program

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) -- Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here announced Oct. 2 an award of approximately $6.3 million in grants to 21 scientists and engineers who submitted winning research proposals through the Air Force's new Young Investigator Research Program.

The program is open to scientists and engineers at research institutions across the United States and those selected will receive the grants over a three-year period. 

Competition for YIP grants is intense. A total of 145 proposals were received in response to the AFOSR broad agency announcement solicitation in major areas of interest to the Air Force. Interest areas include aerospace and materials sciences, chemistry and life sciences, mathematics and information sciences, and physics and electronics. AFOSR officials selected proposals based on the evaluation criteria listed in the broad agency announcement.

"AFOSR is proud to participate in the President's National Competitive Initiative by supporting the exciting research of these 21 outstanding scientists and engineers," said Dr. Brendan Godfrey, AFOSR director. "The AFOSR Young Investigator Research Program will grow to at least 50 grants over the next three years."

The program supports scientists and engineers who have received doctorate or equivalent degrees in the last five years. Grant recipients must show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research. 

The objective of this program is to foster creative basic research in science and engineering, enhance early career development of outstanding young investigators, and increase opportunities for the young investigators to recognize the Air Force mission and the related challenges in science and engineering.