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Chief of Naval Research Fellows Program

The Chief of Naval Research Fellows program will bring five newly tenured academic research professors to ONR for a one-year fellowship. The program is designed to bring a constant infusion of state-of-the-art knowledge to ONR while providing leading academic minds with unparalleled insight into the Navy and Marine Corps' most critical research challenges. This initiative seeks to build a powerful bridge between academia and the Department of the Navy (DoN), ensuring our research efforts are informed by the nation's brightest minds.

Term

One (1) year, with all fellows participating as a single cohort.

Eligibility

Nominees must be tenured associate professors or full professors promoted within the last two (2) years.

Award

The fellowship includes a $150,000 stipend award and $50,000 for travel funding.

What will Fellows gain?

During their year at ONR, Fellows will be immersed in the naval S&T ecosystem. They will gain firsthand experience with:

  • How ONR Program Officers develop programs and evaluate proposals.

  • Critical Navy and Marine Corps operational problems.

  • The Planning, Programming, Budget and Execution (PPBE) process.

  • The roles of various lab and industry partners.

  • ONR’s internal performance and portfolio metrics.

What are their responsibilities?

Fellows will provide technical feedback on proposed and ongoing research efforts and are expected to spend approximately four days per month in person at ONR headquarters with opportunities to engage at naval laboratories and warfare centers.

This experience is designed to create a powerful feedback loop. In return for this unique opportunity, Fellows will be expected to:

  1. Amplify ONR’s Mission: Return to their universities and share their knowledge of DON challenges with colleagues, inspiring new avenues of relevant research.

  2. Build the Talent Pipeline: Connect students to unique employment and research opportunities within the Department of the Navy.

Nomination Process

Fellows must be nominated by their university's department head or dean.

To nominate a candidate from your department who demonstrates exceptional research acumen and potential for high-impact contributions, please email the candidate’s Curriculum Vitae and a letter of nomination from your office outlining their qualifications to:

Dr. Thomas C. Fu, Executive Director of the Office of Naval Research: thomas.c.fu2.civ@us.navy.mil

Nominations are due by Friday, July 3, 2026.