The Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program supports basic scientific research to lay the foundations for new energy technologies and to advance DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. BES research emphasizes discovery, design, and understanding of new materials and new chemical, biochemical, and geological processes. The ultimate goal is to better understand the physical world and harness nature to benefit people and society.
Major technological innovations don’t just happen. They typically have their roots in basic research breakthroughs over a period of decades. The BES program supports basic research behind a broad range of energy technologies, spanning energy generation, conversion, transmission, storage, and use. Many major innovations can be traced back to basic research supported by BES over the past 40 years. These include, for example, LED lighting; efficient solar cells; better batteries; stronger, lighter materials for transportation, nuclear power plants, and national defense; and improved production processes for high-value chemicals.
The BES program is one of the nation’s largest sponsors of researchin the physical sciences. The program funds basic science at nearly 170 universities, national laboratories, and other research institutions in the U.S. BES has also built and supports a national network of major shared research facilities based at DOE national laboratories and open to all scientists. These user facilities help form the backbone of the nation’s research infrastructure. Over 16,000 scientists and engineers make use of these facilities each year.
Learn more about the Basic Energy Sciences mission and operations.
BES Subprograms
Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences (CSGB)
The Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division supports basic research on chemical transformations and energy flow. This research provides the groundwork for the development of new and improved processes for the generation, storage, conversion, and use of energy as well as for other applications.
Materials Sciences and Engineering (MSE)
The Materials Sciences and Engineering Division supports basic research for the discovery and design of new materials with novel properties and functions. This research creates a foundation for the development of new and improved materials for the generation, storage, conversion, and use of energy as well as for other applications.
Scientific User Facilities (SUF)
The Scientific User Facilities Division supports R&D, planning, construction, and operation of a nationwide suite of major scientific facilities. These user facilities include large x-ray light sources, neutron scattering centers, and research centers for nanoscale science. They provide state-of-the-art instrumentation to create and measure materials and chemical systems. Tens of thousands of scientists from universities, industry, and government laboratories use them each year.
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs)
The Energy Frontier Research Centers bring together teams of scientists to perform basic research with a scope and complexity beyond what is possible for individuals or small groups. These centers foster transformative scientific advances to uncover innovative solutions to difficult problems in the energy sciences..
Computational Materials and Chemical Sciences (CMS,CCS)
Computational Materials and Chemical Sciences supports teams of researchers performing basic research to develop software and databases for design of new materials and chemical processes. This research takes advantage of DOE’s current supercomputers and develops software for next-generation exascale computing systems.
Energy Innovation Hubs
The Energy Innovation Hubs mobilize large research teams to overcome major scientific barriers to development of transformative new energy technologies. The two Hubs supported by BES focus on grand challenges in energy: (1) Fuels from Sunlight and (2) Next Generation Batteries and Energy Storage.
BES Science Highlights
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A Surprising Discovery: Magnetism in a Common Material for Microelectronics
For the first time, researchers discovered magnetic order at high temperature in a metal widely used by the electronics industry.
May 15, 2024
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What If Metals Could Conduct Light?
In the unusual world of quantum materials, metals can guide light in their interiors instead of merely reflecting it.
May 1, 2024
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“Tug of War” Tactic Enhances Chemical Separations for Critical Materials
Opposing teams of water-loving and oil-loving molecules separate metals called lanthanides that are important in developing clean energy technologies.
April 3, 2024
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Filling in the Cracks: Scientists Improve Predictions for the Dissolution of Minerals in Rock Fractures
A new correction factor for predicting dissolution rates uses measurable geological properties in fractured media.
March 1, 2024
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Measurement Technique Sheds New Light on Semiconductors for Solar Fuels
A new experiment determines the energy available to drive chemical reactions at the interface between an illuminated semiconductor and a liquid solution.
January 10, 2024
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Protein Structures Signal Fresh Targets for Anticancer Drugs
Protein Structures Signal Fresh Targets for Anticancer Drugs
January 5, 2024
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3D-Printed Alloys Offer Improved Strength and Ductility
Laser-based additive manufacturing produces high-entropy alloys that are stronger and less likely to fracture.
December 18, 2023
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Gigabytes of Data? Real-Time Analysis Is Easy with this New Approach
New algorithms allow real-time interactive data processing at 10X previous rates for electron microscopy data.
December 15, 2023
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AI Doctor Keeps a Mile-Long Particle Accelerator Healthy
Machine learning methods support human operators in diagnosing and fixing failing subsystems in an accelerator-driven X-ray laser.
December 8, 2023
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Nature Inspires a New Wave of Biotechnology
Synthetic peptide assemblies show promise as bioelectronic materials.
December 1, 2023
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BES Program News
Department of Energy Announces $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Energy Innovation Hub projects will emphasize multi-disciplinary fundamental research to address long-standing and emerging challenges for rechargeable batteries
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Department of Energy Announces $21 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions
Research focuses on early-stage, fundamental energy research supporting innovation across America; includes partnerships with the DOE national laboratories
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DOE Announces $540 Million for Technologies to Transform Energy Production and Cut Emissions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $540 million in awards for university- and National Laboratory-led research into clean energy technologies and low-carbon manufacturing.
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Department of Energy Announces $18.3 Million for Research to Develop Advanced Chemical Sciences Simulation and Modeling Capabilities
Research to Deploy the Power of Exascale Computing in Understanding and Controlling Chemical Systems and Processes
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DOE Announces $150 Million to Reduce Climate Impacts of Energy Technologies and Manufacturing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $150 million in open funding for research projects focused on increasing efficiency and curbing carbon emissions from energy technologies and manufacturing.
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DOE Announces $420 Million to Advance Clean Energy Breakthroughs at Energy Research Centers Across America
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a $420 million funding opportunity for DOE’s Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC).
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BES Research Resources
Contact Information
Basic Energy Sciences
U.S. Department of Energy
SC-22/Germantown Building
1000 Independence Avenue., SW
Washington, DC 20585
P: (301) 903 - 3081
F: (301) 903 - 6594
E: sc.bes@science.doe.gov
