DOE Seeks Input on AI for Science and Workforce Development

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather public and private sector input on strategies to meet the technical challenges of the Genesis Mission and develop a skilled American workforce in artificial intelligence (AI) for science and engineering. This initiative aims to revolutionize science and innovation in the United States by leveraging high-performance computing, next-generation quantum computers, and AI.

The Genesis Mission is an ambitious project designed to double the productivity and impact of American science and engineering over the next decade. By addressing some of the most challenging problems of the 21st century, the mission seeks to create new industries and highly skilled jobs for the next generation. According to DOE’s Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil, the mission will prepare young scientists and engineers for unprecedented opportunities in AI-driven fields.

Building a Skilled AI Workforce

A key component of the Genesis Mission is the development of a workforce of 100,000 American scientists and engineers over the next decade. This workforce will be trained to lead the world in AI-powered science, innovation, and applications. The RFI specifically seeks input on establishing an AI for Science and Engineering pipeline, which will span training at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels.

The pipeline will focus on developing dual competencies in AI and scientific or engineering disciplines. These competencies are expected to feed into rapidly expanding private and government sector jobs, as well as advanced degree educational programs. The DOE is encouraging collaboration between educational institutions, private industry, and philanthropic organizations to achieve this goal.

Collaboration Across Sectors

The RFI calls for input from various stakeholders, including educational institutions, industrial organizations, philanthropic groups, and think tanks. These partners are expected to form highly collaborative research teams to meet the aggressive goals of the Genesis Mission. Additionally, they will help establish new curricula and training experiences for students at all levels, from undergraduate to post-doctoral.

Industrial institutions of all sizes are encouraged to partner with universities and the DOE to advance the science and technology needed for the Genesis Mission. These collaborations will also help define training requirements and support the preparation of a future American workforce equipped to handle the demands of AI-driven innovation.

The deadline for responses to the RFI is March 4, 2026. The DOE’s initiative reflects a broader effort to mobilize the nation’s science and technology enterprise, coordinating efforts across National Laboratories, universities, industry, and philanthropy to tackle the technical challenges of the Genesis Mission and drive forward the future of AI in science and engineering.