The Sustainable Research Pathways (SRP) 2026–2027 program is inviting applications from eligible students, faculty members, principal investigators, and project leaders across the United States and its territories for a research collaboration and professional development opportunity designed to connect emerging researchers with established scientific projects.
The program provides a structured environment for participants to build research collaborations, explore career opportunities, develop professional networks, and potentially participate in a 10-week paid summer research experience in 2027. Through workshops, mentoring, cohort activities, and research engagement, SRP aims to help students and faculty connect with projects led by researchers working with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories and the National Science Foundation (NSF) National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot, among other participating projects.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle are currently open, with applications for principal investigators/project leaders, faculty, and students due September 30, 2026.
What Is the Sustainable Research Pathways Program?
Sustainable Research Pathways is a comprehensive research collaboration program created to connect U.S.-based researchers and project leaders with students and faculty from academic institutions throughout the United States and its territories.
The program is designed around the idea that meaningful research collaborations can help students launch scientific and technical careers while also giving researchers and faculty access to new talent, perspectives, and collaborative possibilities.
Rather than functioning solely as a traditional internship or academic placement, SRP provides opportunities for participants to meet potential collaborators, explore research projects, participate in professional community-building activities, and potentially continue their engagement through a summer research experience.
The 2026–2027 program brings together several tracks, allowing participation from different groups within the research ecosystem.
History and Development of Sustainable Research Pathways
Sustainable Research Pathways was initially established in 2015 through a partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).
Since its creation, the program has expanded considerably.
In 2022, SRP developed into a multi-laboratory program through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Exascale Computing Project (ECP).
In 2023, the program expanded beyond ECP projects to include additional computational and data science projects. These activities were coordinated through the Computational Research Leadership Council (CRLC).
The program has continued to receive support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research through the Partnering for Scientific-Software Ecosystem Opportunities (PESO) project and the Consortium for the Advancement of Scientific Software (CASS).
In 2025, SRP expanded further by incorporating projects associated with the National Science Foundation’s National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot and the High Performance Software Foundation (HPSF).
The 2026–2027 cycle therefore represents a broader research collaboration environment involving students, faculty, project leaders, and projects connected with major U.S. scientific and computational research initiatives.
SRP 2026–2027 Project, PI and Mentor Track
The Project/PI/Mentor Track is intended for principal investigators and project leaders who have active projects funded through eligible NAIRR Pilot or U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories Computing Sciences programs.
Researchers and project leaders participating in this track can potentially be matched with students and faculty interested in contributing to research projects.
For participating project leaders, the program provides an opportunity to:
- Connect with exceptional students and faculty.
- Explore potential research collaborations.
- Introduce students to active scientific and computational projects.
- Build longer-term academic and professional relationships.
- Participate in the SRP Matching and Exploratory Workshop.
- Identify potential collaborators for summer research activities.
If a successful match is established, project leaders may have the opportunity to work collaboratively with selected faculty members and students.
Faculty Track
The Faculty Track is designed for full-time faculty members who are interested in leading student teams and potentially collaborating with projects connected to NAIRR and DOE National Laboratories.
Faculty members working with students from different academic institutions are particularly encouraged to participate.
This track can provide faculty with a structured mechanism for connecting their students to broader research projects and professional communities.
Faculty participants may have the opportunity to:
- Lead student teams.
- Connect students with research project leaders.
- Explore collaborations with NAIRR-related projects.
- Explore collaborations with DOE National Laboratories projects.
- Participate in the November 2026 Matching Workshop.
- Build relationships with researchers and other faculty members.
- Support students as they explore research and career pathways.
The cross-institutional nature of the program also provides an opportunity for faculty and students from different academic environments to engage with one another.
Student Track
The Student Track is intended for eligible students who are studying at accredited U.S. academic institutions and who are not applying as part of an SRP faculty team.
The program specifically identifies the following student groups as eligible to apply:
- Community college students.
- Undergraduate students.
- Graduate students.
Students can apply independently rather than having to participate through an SRP faculty team.
For students interested in research, computational science, data science, artificial intelligence, scientific software, or related areas, the program provides an opportunity to explore potential research collaborations and develop professional relationships with researchers and faculty.
Potential 10-Week Summer Research Experience
One of the significant opportunities associated with SRP is the potential for matched faculty and students to participate in a 10-week onsite summer experience in 2027.
Participants who are successfully matched with project leaders may have the opportunity to spend the summer working on research activities connected to their selected project.
The experience is described as potentially paid, meaning eligible participants may have access to a paid summer research opportunity depending on the specific match and arrangements.
The summer experience is expected to provide participants with exposure to real research environments while allowing them to work with project leaders and other members of the research community.
Matching and Exploratory Workshop
A central component of SRP is the Matching and Exploratory Workshop, scheduled for November 3–6, 2026.
The workshop is designed to give project leaders, faculty, and students an opportunity to meet, communicate, discuss research interests, and explore possible collaborations.
Rather than participants being matched without interaction, the workshop creates a dedicated environment where individuals can learn more about available research projects and potential collaborators.
The workshop can therefore play an important role in helping participants determine whether their research interests and skills align with particular projects.
SRP Program Benefits
The Sustainable Research Pathways program offers several activities and potential benefits throughout the 2026–2027 cycle.
1. Pre-Workshop Q&A Webinar
Participants will have access to a Q&A webinar before the main matching workshop.
This provides an opportunity for prospective participants to better understand the program and ask questions about participation.
2. Matching and Exploratory Workshop
The interactive workshop gives participants an opportunity to meet researchers, faculty members, project leaders, and students and discuss potential collaborations.
3. Potential Paid Summer Experience
Students and faculty who are successfully matched with project leaders may have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week onsite summer experience in 2027.
The summer experience may be paid, providing participants with both research exposure and potential financial support for their summer participation.
4. Professional Community Onboarding
SRP includes onboarding into a professional community, helping participants become familiar with the broader network associated with the program.
This can help participants establish relationships beyond their immediate academic institution.
5. Summer Kick-Off Event
The program includes a summer kick-off event intended to bring members of the cohort together as summer research activities begin.
6. Midterm Practice and Check-In
Participants will take part in a midterm practice and check-in during the summer. This provides an opportunity for members of the cohort to reflect on their experiences and remain connected throughout the research period.
7. End-of-Summer Celebration
The program also includes an end-of-summer celebration marking the conclusion of the summer research experience.
8. CULTIVATE Conversations
After the summer program, participants can continue engaging with the SRP community through CULTIVATE Conversations, which are described as virtual seminars and meet-ups.
This post-summer engagement can help maintain relationships established during the program.
9. Potential Conference Presentation Funding
Some funding will be available to support participants in presenting their summer research results at a scientific conference.
This provides an additional opportunity for participants to share their research outcomes with the wider scientific community and gain experience communicating research findings in a professional setting.
SRP 2026–2027 Important Dates
Applicants should carefully observe the program’s schedule because different activities take place from September 2026 through spring 2028.
Applications
Applications are currently open.
Application deadline for PIs, faculty and students: September 30, 2026
Applicants should ensure that their applications are completed and submitted before the deadline.
Participant Q&A Webinar
Date: September 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM PT
A Participant Q&A Webinar will be held to provide information and answer questions about the program.
DOE Mentor Q&A Webinar
Date: September 24, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM PT
A separate Q&A webinar will be available for DOE mentors.
Welcome Reception
Date: November 3, 2026
The welcome reception will take place at the beginning of the program’s main November activities.
Matching Workshop
Dates: November 3–6, 2026
The Matching Workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to meet and explore potential research collaborations.
Onboarding
Period: Winter/Spring 2027
Participants will complete onboarding activities ahead of the summer research period.
Research Activities
Period: Summer 2027
Matched participants may participate in the program’s summer research activities, including the potential 10-week onsite experience.
Conference Presentations
Period: Spring 2028
Participants may have an opportunity to present results from their summer research at scientific conferences, with some funds available for conference presentation support.
Who Can Apply for Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027?
The program has separate participation tracks, and eligibility depends on the applicant’s role.
Principal Investigators and Project Leaders
The Project/PI/Mentor Track is intended for principal investigators and project leaders with active NAIRR Pilot or U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories Computing Sciences funded projects.
Faculty Members
The Faculty Track is open to full-time faculty who can lead student teams and potentially collaborate with NAIRR and DOE National Laboratories projects.
Faculty working with students from a variety of institutions are encouraged to apply.
Students
The Student Track is open to:
- Community college students.
- Undergraduate students.
- Graduate students.
Students must be studying at an accredited U.S. academic institution and must not be applying as part of an SRP faculty team.
Country and Geographic Eligibility
Sustainable Research Pathways is specifically designed for the United States and its territories.
The program description states that it connects U.S. researchers and project leaders with students and faculty from across the United States and its territories. Student applicants must attend an accredited U.S. academic institution.
Therefore, this is not presented as a general worldwide opportunity. Prospective applicants should carefully review their institutional and program eligibility before applying.
The available information does not specify eligibility based on race or ethnicity.
How the SRP Program Can Support Career Development
A major objective of Sustainable Research Pathways is to help participants build pathways toward research and scientific careers.
For students, participating in research activities can provide exposure to professional research environments, while interaction with project leaders and faculty can help them better understand potential career directions.
For faculty, the program can facilitate collaboration between institutions and research teams.
For project leaders, SRP can provide a structured environment for engaging with students and faculty who may contribute new perspectives and skills to their research projects.
The combination of research activities, professional community-building, workshops, mentoring, and potential conference participation makes the program broader than a single summer placement.
How the Matching Process Can Create Collaboration Opportunities
The matching component is particularly important because SRP is structured around connecting participants with potential research collaborators.
During the November 2026 workshop, participants can meet and discuss potential research interests and collaborations.
This interaction allows students and faculty to learn more about research projects while allowing project leaders and mentors to identify potential participants whose interests and backgrounds align with their work.
Successful matches may subsequently lead to the 10-week summer research experience planned for 2027.
Application Process
Applications for the three main tracks are submitted through the SRP application system.
Applicants should select the appropriate track based on their role:
- Project/PI/Mentor Track for eligible principal investigators and project leaders.
- Faculty Track for eligible full-time faculty.
- Student Track for eligible community college, undergraduate, and graduate students.
Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure that they meet the relevant requirements before submitting their applications.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
Q&A Webinar Registration
The September 24 Q&A sessions can provide prospective participants with additional information about the program.
The Participant Q&A Webinar is scheduled for 10:00 AM PT, while the DOE Mentor Q&A Webinar is scheduled for 1:30 PM PT.
Prospective applicants who have questions about participation, tracks, matching, or program activities can use the relevant registration pages provided by the organizers.
Why Applicants Should Review Their Eligibility Carefully
Because Sustainable Research Pathways contains multiple tracks, applicants should not assume that the same eligibility requirements apply to everyone.
A student applicant, for example, must meet the requirements for the Student Track, including enrollment at an accredited U.S. academic institution.
Similarly, faculty applicants must meet the requirements specified for the Faculty Track, while project leaders and principal investigators must have qualifying active projects for the Project/PI/Mentor Track.
Reviewing the appropriate track before applying can help applicants submit their applications through the correct pathway.
Visit HERE to learn more about the Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027.
Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027 Timeline at a Glance
| Activity | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Participant Q&A Webinar | September 24, 2026, 10:00 AM PT |
| DOE Mentor Q&A Webinar | September 24, 2026, 1:30 PM PT |
| Welcome Reception | November 3, 2026 |
| Matching Workshop | November 3–6, 2026 |
| Onboarding | Winter/Spring 2027 |
| Research Activities | Summer 2027 |
| Conference Presentations | Spring 2028 |
How to Apply for Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027
Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the official SRP application portal.
Applicants should make sure they select the correct track and complete the application before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Research Pathways 2026–2027 program provides a structured platform for connecting students, faculty members, principal investigators, and research project leaders across the United States and its territories.
Through its Project/PI/Mentor, Faculty, and Student Tracks, the program creates opportunities for participants to explore research collaborations, develop professional relationships, participate in an interactive matching workshop, and potentially take part in a 10-week paid onsite summer research experience in 2027.
The program also extends beyond the summer through professional community onboarding, cohort-wide activities, CULTIVATE Conversations, and potential financial support for presenting summer research results at scientific conferences.
With applications due on September 30, 2026, eligible students, faculty members, and qualifying research project leaders should review the requirements for their respective tracks and submit their applications through the official application portal before the deadline.
Category: Research fellowship / research collaboration program
Who qualifies: Eligible U.S.-based principal investigators/project leaders with qualifying active NAIRR Pilot or DOE National Laboratories Computing Sciences projects; full-time faculty members; and community college, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. academic institutions. The program is intended for applicants connected to the United States and its territories. The provided information does not specify race or ethnicity restrictions.
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