Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP)

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is seeking early‑career scientists and engineers (Ph.D. earned ≥ April 1 2019) to submit white papers and full proposals for the FY 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP). Up to 37 traditional YIPs and 3 quantum‑focused YIPs (plus potential additional awards) will receive up to $150,000 per year for three years (total $450,000). Awards are made to U.S. higher‑education institutions, industrial labs, for‑profit or non‑profit research entities where the PI is a full‑time employee and a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. No FFRDC or DoD laboratory investigators are eligible. The process requires a pre‑proposal white‑paper (deadline Oct 9 2026) followed by a full proposal (deadline Dec 4 2026). Selections are announced by late April 2027 with awards issued by early May 2027. • Eligible PI must hold a full‑time, non‑contract position. • Individual awards; no co‑PIs or collaborators allowed. • Required data‑management plan and compliance with DoD R&D terms. • Quantum Information Sciences track available for gate‑based quantum computing research. • Funding up to $150 k/yr for 3 yr; possible additional $300 k over 2 yr if justified.