The Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP) is a grant opportunity for early career scientists and engineers to conduct basic research. It aims to support those who have shown exceptional promise and ability in their fields, helping them develop their careers while contributing to the Air Force and Space Force missions.
Who it's for: This grant is for early career scientists and engineers who have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degree on or after April 1, 2019. Eligible applicants must be employed full-time in a regular position at a U.S. institution of higher education, industrial laboratory, or a for-profit or non-profit research organization. The principal investigator must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not having a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by April 1, 2019
- Not employed full-time in a regular position
- Not a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Working at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
- Working at a Department of War (DoW) Laboratory
What You May Need
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree documentation
- Full-time employment verification
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, nationality, or permanent residency
- White paper submission
- Full proposal submission
- Data management plan
- Budget proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or bios
- References for white paper
- Communication with AFOSR Program Officer
Cautions
- No reimbursement for proposal development costs
- Proposals and white papers will not be returned
- Amendments to the NOFO may occur
- Strict deadlines for white paper and proposal submissions
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education, industrial laboratories, for-profit organizations, and non-profit research organizations. The principal investigator must be employed full-time and hold a regular position, not a contractor role. They must also be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Researchers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) or Department of War (DoW) Laboratories are not eligible.
Overview
This grant is for early career scientists and engineers who have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degree on or after April 1, 2019. Eligible applicants must be employed full-time in a regular position at a U.S. institution of higher education, industrial laboratory, or a for-profit or non-profit research organization. The principal investigator must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not having a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by April 1, 2019
- Not employed full-time in a regular position
- Not a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Working at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
- Working at a Department of War (DoW) Laboratory
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support basic research activities in science and engineering. This includes salaries, equipment, materials, and other research-related expenses. Each year, up to $150,000 can be used, with a total of $450,000 over three years.
Total Program Funding
$4,500,000
Expected Awards
50
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Deadline
- Dec 4, 2026(83 days)
- Archive Date
- Jan 3, 2027
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- May 2027
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility (degree, employment, citizenship)
- Prepare and submit a white paper by October 9, 2026
- Receive feedback on white paper by November 6, 2026
- Prepare full proposal including data management plan
- Submit full proposal by December 4, 2026
- Contact AFOSR Program Officer for guidance
- Monitor Grants.gov for any amendments