Basic Energy Sciences | Department of Energy
Source: https://www.energy.gov/science/bes/basic-energy-sciences
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Basic Energy Sciences | Department of Energy
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Basic Energy Sciences
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 research in 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
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/suf
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/efrc
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..
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/Research/Computational-Materials-and-Chemical-Scie…
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/Research/DOE-Energy-Innovation-Hubs
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.
Learn More
BES Science Highlights
One Day’s Work in an Hour: A Versatile, Fast-scanning, X-ray Microscope
Innovative, high-resolution X-ray microscopy system generates 3D images 20 times faster than the previous system.
Learn More
about One Day’s Work in an Hour: A Versatile, Fast-scanning, X-ray Microscope
April 21, 2026
Accessing Dynamic Electrochemical Interfaces
A new technique reveals ultrafast processes in electrode-electrolyte interfaces under operating conditions.
Learn More
about Accessing Dynamic Electrochemical Interfaces
April 9, 2026
Interactions Between X-Rays and Matter Provide Insights into How Electrons Behave in Molecules
By measuring the delay between when a molecule absorbs a photon from an X-ray and emits an electron, scientists gained insight into how electrons interact.
Learn More
about Interactions Between X-Rays and Matter Provide Insights into How Electrons Behave in Molecules
April 2, 2026
Uncovering Hidden Atomic Patterns in Semiconductors
Advanced microscopy reveals motifs of trace atoms in semiconductors, paving the way for new microelectronics designed atom by atom.
Learn More
about Uncovering Hidden Atomic Patterns in Semiconductors
March 26, 2026
Combining Physics and Machine Learning to Analyze Particle Beams in Accelerators
A new technique combining physics and machine learning enables scientists to quickly reconstruct details of particle beams without the need for large datasets.
Learn More
about Combining Physics and Machine Learning to Analyze Particle Beams in Accelerators
March 17, 2026
Revealing Rock Stresses and Fractures in 3D
The evolution of a sandstone’s texture, structure, and stress was measured during deformation for the first time.
Learn More
about Revealing Rock Stresses and Fractures in 3D
March 10, 2026
Tracing Invisible Spin Currents
Scientists directly observed spin wave currents using advanced Resonant X-ray Scattering.
Learn More
about Tracing Invisible Spin Currents
March 3, 2026
Demonstrating Unprecedented Control of X-ray Pulses
Researchers have used an undulator’s magnetic field to generate and control ultrafast X-ray pulses.
Learn More
about Demonstrating Unprecedented Control of X-ray Pulses
January 30, 2026
Bennu’s Ancient Brine Sheds Light on Recipe for Life
Using the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry, researchers identified the chemical stew found in samples of the asteroid Bennu.
Learn More
about Bennu’s Ancient Brine Sheds Light on Recipe for Life
January 15, 2026
Building 3D Nanoscale Structures Through DNA-Assembly and Templating
Using DNA scaffolding, scientists developed a universal method for producing a wide variety of functional, 3D metallic and semiconductor nanostructures
Learn More
about Building 3D Nanoscale Structures Through DNA-Assembly and Templating
December 18, 2025
View More
BES Program News
Department of Energy Announces $118 Million for Energy Frontier Research Centers
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $118 Million for Energy Frontier Research Centers
Department of Energy Awards $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Learn More
about Department of Energy Awards $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Department of Energy Announces $36 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions of America
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $36 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions of America
Department of Energy Announces $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Department of Energy Announces $21 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $21 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions
DOE Announces $540 Million for Technologies to Transform Energy Production and Cut Emissions
Learn More
about DOE Announces $540 Million for Technologies to Transform Energy Production and Cut Emissions
BES Research Resources
BES Workshop Reports
Learn More
about BES Workshop Reports
BES Staff Contact Information
Learn More
about BES Staff Contact Information
Benefits of BES
Learn More
about Benefits of BES
Funding Opportunities
Learn More
about Funding Opportunities
Contact Information
Basic Energy Sciences
U.S. Department of Energy
Germantown Building
1000 Independence Avenue., SW
Washington, DC 20585
P: (301) 903 - 3081
F: (301) 903 - 6594
E:
sc.bes@science.doe.gov
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock
(
) or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Basic Energy Sciences
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 research in 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
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/csgb
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/mse
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/suf
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/efrc
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..
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/Research/Computational-Materials-and-Chemical-Scie…
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.
Learn More
Link URL
https://science.osti.gov/bes/Research/DOE-Energy-Innovation-Hubs
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.
Learn More
BES Science Highlights
One Day’s Work in an Hour: A Versatile, Fast-scanning, X-ray Microscope
Innovative, high-resolution X-ray microscopy system generates 3D images 20 times faster than the previous system.
Learn More
about One Day’s Work in an Hour: A Versatile, Fast-scanning, X-ray Microscope
April 21, 2026
Accessing Dynamic Electrochemical Interfaces
A new technique reveals ultrafast processes in electrode-electrolyte interfaces under operating conditions.
Learn More
about Accessing Dynamic Electrochemical Interfaces
April 9, 2026
Interactions Between X-Rays and Matter Provide Insights into How Electrons Behave in Molecules
By measuring the delay between when a molecule absorbs a photon from an X-ray and emits an electron, scientists gained insight into how electrons interact.
Learn More
about Interactions Between X-Rays and Matter Provide Insights into How Electrons Behave in Molecules
April 2, 2026
Uncovering Hidden Atomic Patterns in Semiconductors
Advanced microscopy reveals motifs of trace atoms in semiconductors, paving the way for new microelectronics designed atom by atom.
Learn More
about Uncovering Hidden Atomic Patterns in Semiconductors
March 26, 2026
Combining Physics and Machine Learning to Analyze Particle Beams in Accelerators
A new technique combining physics and machine learning enables scientists to quickly reconstruct details of particle beams without the need for large datasets.
Learn More
about Combining Physics and Machine Learning to Analyze Particle Beams in Accelerators
March 17, 2026
Revealing Rock Stresses and Fractures in 3D
The evolution of a sandstone’s texture, structure, and stress was measured during deformation for the first time.
Learn More
about Revealing Rock Stresses and Fractures in 3D
March 10, 2026
Tracing Invisible Spin Currents
Scientists directly observed spin wave currents using advanced Resonant X-ray Scattering.
Learn More
about Tracing Invisible Spin Currents
March 3, 2026
Demonstrating Unprecedented Control of X-ray Pulses
Researchers have used an undulator’s magnetic field to generate and control ultrafast X-ray pulses.
Learn More
about Demonstrating Unprecedented Control of X-ray Pulses
January 30, 2026
Bennu’s Ancient Brine Sheds Light on Recipe for Life
Using the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry, researchers identified the chemical stew found in samples of the asteroid Bennu.
Learn More
about Bennu’s Ancient Brine Sheds Light on Recipe for Life
January 15, 2026
Building 3D Nanoscale Structures Through DNA-Assembly and Templating
Using DNA scaffolding, scientists developed a universal method for producing a wide variety of functional, 3D metallic and semiconductor nanostructures
Learn More
about Building 3D Nanoscale Structures Through DNA-Assembly and Templating
December 18, 2025
View More
BES Program News
Department of Energy Announces $118 Million for Energy Frontier Research Centers
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $118 Million for Energy Frontier Research Centers
Department of Energy Awards $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Learn More
about Department of Energy Awards $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Department of Energy Announces $36 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions of America
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $36 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions of America
Department of Energy Announces $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $125 Million for Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage
Department of Energy Announces $21 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions
Learn More
about Department of Energy Announces $21 Million to Support Energy-Relevant Research in Underrepresented Regions
DOE Announces $540 Million for Technologies to Transform Energy Production and Cut Emissions
Learn More
about DOE Announces $540 Million for Technologies to Transform Energy Production and Cut Emissions
BES Research Resources
BES Workshop Reports
Learn More
about BES Workshop Reports
BES Staff Contact Information
Learn More
about BES Staff Contact Information
Benefits of BES
Learn More
about Benefits of BES
Funding Opportunities
Learn More
about Funding Opportunities
Contact Information
Basic Energy Sciences
U.S. Department of Energy
Germantown Building
1000 Independence Avenue., SW
Washington, DC 20585
P: (301) 903 - 3081
F: (301) 903 - 6594
E:
sc.bes@science.doe.gov