Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027: U.S. Research Collaboration and Paid Summer Experience Opportunities for Students, Faculty and Project Leaders

Overview

The Sustainable Research Pathways (SRP) program is designed to bridge the gap between emerging researchers and established scientific projects across the United States and its territories. Participants engage in structured networking, workshops, mentoring, and professional community onboarding. Successful matches may lead to a 10-week paid onsite summer research experience in 2027, as well as ongoing virtual seminars and potential conference presentation support.

Eligibility

Applicants must apply under one of the three dedicated participation tracks:

• Project/PI/Mentor Track: For principal investigators and project leaders with active NAIRR Pilot or U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories Computing Sciences-funded projects.
• Faculty Track: For full-time faculty members interested in leading student teams and collaborating with NAIRR or DOE National Laboratories projects.
• Student Track: For community college, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. academic institutions who are applying independently.

Benefits

• Pre-workshop Q&A webinars and an interactive Matching and Exploratory Workshop.
• Potential 10-week paid onsite summer research experience in 2027.
• Professional community onboarding and summer cohort events, including midterm check-ins and end-of-summer celebrations.
• Post-summer engagement via CULTIVATE Conversations.
• Partial funding support to present summer research results at scientific conferences.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should choose the appropriate track and submit their application through the official SRP online application portal before the closing date.

Deadline

Applications for principal investigators, faculty members, and students are due by September 30, 2026.