Discovery Awards

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) researchers affiliated with the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) may be eligible for seed funding. ROSEI has partnered with the Provost’s Office to expand the existing JHU Discovery research program and is offering an additional $50,000 on top of the conventional awards for impactful work aligned with the ROSEI’s research.

Discovery Awards must involve two cross-school/divisional PIs and if aligned with ROSEI’s research, are eligible for $175,000 ($125,000 from UA, and $50,000 from ROSEI). In 2026, ROSEI can co-fund up to three projects.

Interested parties should apply directly to the Provost’s office. ROSEI professors that do not have conflicts of interest will be involved in the review process. Researchers are encouraged to contact the ROSEI research pillar leaders (listed with each pillar) to learn more about their efforts and potential synergies in extensions and related work. 

ROSEI has helped fund Discovery awards in the past, including two in its first year, and three in 2023-24. 

Spark Awards

For impactful sustainable energy research ideas that are not eligible for the Discovery Awards (ROSEI’s preferred mechanism for open funding) faculty may be eligible to pursue a ROSEI Spark Award. Please contact ROSEI Managing Director Ben Link for complete details on the process for such awards.