Summer Faculty Research · Sabbatical Leave

Bring your research to the Navy’s laboratories.

The Office of Naval Research places U.S. college and university faculty on site at Navy laboratories — for a summer or a sabbatical — to pursue research of mutual interest with Navy scientists and engineers.

Summer Faculty Research applications: October 1 – December 14, 2026

Sabbatical Leave applications are due six months before your proposed start. See all important dates.

A Navy research aircraft with a rotating radar dome parked on the flight line

The programs

Two fellowships. One purpose: research of mutual interest.

ONR sponsors both programs for faculty who hold teaching or research appointments at U.S. colleges and universities. Each pairs faculty with professional peers at U.S. Navy Laboratories.

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Summer Faculty Research Program

Broaden the scope and horizon of your research interests and build a foundation for future research collaborations with Navy scientists and engineers.

Duration
10 weeks
Season
Summer
Format
Residential, on site at the sponsoring Navy laboratory
About the summer program

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Sabbatical Leave Program

Engage in scholarly, creative, professional or research activities that strengthen your further contributions to your home institution.

Duration
One semester to one year
Appointment
Fellowship
Format
Residential, on site at the sponsoring Navy laboratory
About sabbatical leave

Why faculty take part

What you bring home

Wider research horizons

Extend the scope of your research interests alongside professional peers at a Navy laboratory.

Lasting collaborations

Lay the groundwork for future research partnerships that continue after your appointment ends.

Insight into Navy priorities

Understand Department of the Navy research interests and their technological implications.

Stronger funding prospects

Use that understanding to pursue and obtain research funding at your home institution.

Participating laboratories

Laboratories across the United States, ready for your research.

Navy laboratory facilities nationwide offer varied and challenging opportunities to further your research interests.

Find a participating lab

Program administration

Questions about applying?

The programs are administered by ProSource360 Consulting Services, an SBA 8(a) certified, HUBZone firm providing management consulting, healthcare solutions and information technology services to federal, state and local government agencies.