Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
🏛 Air Force Office of Scientific Research
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and organizations seeking Air Force-sponsored basic research funding. Eligible applicants typically include universities, industry laboratories, Air Force laboratories, and other research institutions. Research must align with Air Force strategic priorities in engineering, information science, physical sciences, or biological sciences. Projects should advance U.S. national defense capabilities or support peacekeeping operations.
Applicants should consult the full announcement for specific eligibility requirements and restrictions. Awards range up to $10,000,000 and no cost-sharing is required. Both domestic and international research institutions may be eligible through various AFOSR offices (EAORD, SOARD, AOARD).
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Program description
AFOSR plans, coordinates, and executes the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) basic research program in response to technical guidance from AFRL and requirements of the Air Force. Additionally, the office fosters, supports, and conducts research within Air Force, university, and industry laboratories; and ensures transition of research results to support U.S. Air Force needs. The focus of AFOSR is on research areas that offer significant and comprehensive benefits to our national war fighting and peacekeeping capabilities. These areas are organized and managed in two scientific Departments: Engineering and Information Science (RTA), Physical and Biological Sciences (RTB), and our international offices (EAORD, SOARD, and AOARD). The research activities managed within each Department are summarized in this section.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Research proposal/statement of work
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capability statement
- Resumes of key personnel
- SF-424 or equivalent federal forms
- Conflict of interest disclosures
- References and supporting documentation (consult announcement)
Program contact
- 👤 Calvin D Scott Grantor
- 📧 afosr.baa@us.af.mil
- 📞 703-696-7308
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.800 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$609,510,961
-
$536,656,761
-
$343,216,877
-
$122,126,321
-
$76,955,949
-
$74,687,361
-
$61,554,981
-
$49,791,410
-
$41,621,494
-
$37,440,610
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $130.8M
- OH 3 awards $77.2M
- MA 5 awards $51.6M
- NY 4 awards $31.4M
- TX 4 awards $30.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.800). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $874,454,904 | |
| 2025 | $652,065,758 | |
| 2026 est. | $700,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for AFOSR research funding?
Universities, industry labs, Air Force labs, and research institutions are typically eligible. Check the specific announcement for detailed eligibility requirements.
What type of research does AFOSR fund?
AFOSR focuses on basic research in engineering, information science, physical sciences, and biological sciences that supports Air Force capabilities.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for AFOSR grants. However, some funding instruments may have different requirements.
What is the application deadline?
This program operates on a rolling basis without a fixed deadline. You can submit applications throughout the year.
What are the typical award sizes?
Awards can range up to $10,000,000 depending on research scope and program area. Consult the announcement for specific funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research directly with Air Force strategic interests and documented technical priorities. Review recent AFOSR portfolios to understand funded topics.
- Start conversations with AFOSR program managers early to refine your research focus before submitting a formal proposal.
- Emphasize transition pathways and practical applications to warfighting or peacekeeping capabilities, not just theoretical contributions.
- Use the two scientific departments (RTA and RTB) to identify the right program office for your research area.
- Build strong institutional partnerships and demonstrate your organization's capacity to deliver complex research on schedule and within budget.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals misaligned with documented Air Force research interests or priorities. Weak transition plans showing how results support Air Force operations. Insufficient institutional capacity or resources to manage large-scale research projects.
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