Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency seeks proposals for its Young Faculty Award 2027 program to fund innovative fundamental research from early-career academics addressing Department of War national security needs, with executive summaries due November 5, 2026, and full proposals due January 13, 2027.

Eligible principal investigators must hold current tenure-track positions, have been tenured within three years, or occupy equivalent positions at non-profit research institutions within 12 years of doctorate receipt. Proposers ineligible if they have received more than $500,000 from DARPA or $1,250,000 from all Department of War sources. Citizens of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela may not serve as Key or Senior Personnel. Single-PI proposals only; co-PIs are not permitted, though teaming with supporting personnel is allowed. Each proposer may submit one executive summary and one full proposal. Researchers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University Affiliated Research Centers, National Laboratories, or other government entities are ineligible.

The base period spans 24 months (two 12-month intervals at $250,000 maximum per interval, $500,000 total), with optional funding of $500,000 for a Director's Fellowship and $225,000 for a U.S. Citizen Graduate Student option, totaling up to $1,225,000 per award. All awards are issued as Cooperative Agreements. The program solicits research across 18 topic areas spanning artificial intelligence, materials science, quantum computing, and biological systems. Evaluation emphasizes overall scientific and technical merit, contribution to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. Full proposals are limited to eight pages and must be submitted through Grants.gov with an official transmittal letter from the proposing organization. Executive summaries are due through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool at https://baa.darpa.mil/. Questions should be directed to YFA2027@darpa.mil.