The 2027 LDRD proposal cycle is currently underway. This program is one of the Lab’s primary mechanisms for supporting new research directions and advancing strategic capabilities. Details on the application process, timelines, and additional proposal guidelines are available on the LDRD website.
“I would like to encourage Engineering Division staff to participate by developing ideas and proposals in collaboration with our Science Division partners, which is our primary avenue for LDRD proposals. However, also consider developing innovative engineering-led strategic proposals,” says Daniela Leitner, Engineering Division Director and Chief Engineer. “Innovative engineering proposals that develop new technologies with the potential to open new avenues for Physical Sciences Area projects or multi-area projects have been successful in the past.”
Joint PSA proposals from early career (Co-PIs) staff are particularly encouraged.
For all proposals, please share and vet your ideas with their group leaders and department heads as you start developing your technical proposal.
Proposals for FY2027 will be accepted under three funding tracks:
- Multi-Area Topics
- Area-Priority
- Early Career Development
The official timetable for the LDRD proposal process is listed below. Note that the first three list items are specific to the Engineering Division’s internal vetting practice.
- For all LDRD proposals (individual or Co-PIs), please send a brief abstract of the LDRDs you are proposing to submit by Thursday, January 29, 2026, to Daniela Leitner and Mike Barry. This includes all LDRDs for which you are collaborating as a contributor or Co-PI with a partner division.
- For budget development, work with Sumit Dhewajoo and Mike Barry since a Budget Form is required with the proposal.
- February 20, 2026, EG LDRD Kick-off presentations; participants are invited to provide comments on all LDRDs (including collaborating as a contributor or Co-PI with a partner division).
- March 13, 2026, Principal Investigators are required to submit and lock FY 2027 Multi-Area LDRD proposals in the web-based submission system for Division and Area processing.
- April 6, 2026, ALDs identify proposals selected for Multi-Area track review. Proposals that are not funded by at least two Areas are returned back to their submitting Area for review as an Area Priority track proposal.
- April 17, 2026, Principal investigators submit and lock FY 2027 Early Career and Area Priority LDRD proposals in the web-based submission system for Division and Area processing.
- April 17, 2026, ALDs identify proposals selected for Early Career Development track review.
- May 4-5, 2026, Presentation and Review Meetings for FY 2027 ECD, Multi-Area, and Area/Divisional Priority proposals.
- June 1, 2026, Director or Deputy Director for Research notifies ALDs, Division Directors, and PIs of preliminary FY 2027 awards.
- September 1, 2026, Project concurrence requests are provided to DOE-Berkeley Site Office (BSO).
- October 1, 2026, DOE project concurrence is provided, and LDRD projects begin work.
- By November 1, 2026: Awards announced in Elements after final allocations are made.
“I strongly encourage Engineering staff to participate collaboratively in this process,” Leitner says. “Engineering plays a critical role in team science, and our involvement ensures strong representation in this important Lab-wide effort.”