Skip to main content

AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellowships

Accepting Nominations

The AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellowship program at Northwestern represents a strategic investment in the convergence of AI, nanotechnology, and energy science, cultivating a new generation of researchers to tackle some of the most urgent technological challenges. A joint initiative of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy and the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), the fellowship is designed to support exceptional early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and energy-relevant materials and systems.

Fellows will pursue research under the mentorship of two Northwestern faculty co-advisors, bridging expertise in AI, machine learning, nanomaterials, and domain-focused energy science. Recent and soon-to-graduate PhD-level nominees from across relevant fields, including materials science, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and applied physics, will be considered. As part of a broader regional innovation ecosystem, the program encourages collaborations across Northwestern and with partners including Argonne National Laboratory.

Mission and Research Focus

The AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellowship program builds on Northwestern’s excellence as a global leader in applying AI and nanotechnology to advance scientific discovery in energy. Fellows will pursue interdisciplinary, high-impact research that integrates computational innovation with experimental energy domains. Proposals may span AI-enabled materials, nanotechnology and energy systems, and research aligned with key national and industrial needs will receive priority consideration. These core research areas include:

  • Materials for extreme environments: Robust materials capable of withstanding extreme heat, pressure, and corrosion for enhanced geothermal systems and next-generation nuclear energy.
  • Critical minerals and materials: AI-driven approaches to separation science, including electrochemical and membrane-based extraction of rare earth elements and lithium from unconventional resources.
  • Energy storage: Next-generation battery materials and architectures for grid-scale applications and high-demand computing infrastructure.
  • Megalibrary development: New methods and tools for the synthesis, characterization, and AI integration of nanomaterial megalibraries related to the core research areas.

Fellowship Structure and Mentorship Model

A defining feature of the AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellowship is its interdisciplinary, co-advisory approach. Two Northwestern tenure-track faculty members will jointly mentor each fellow, ensuring integration of:

  • AI, machine learning, computational methods, and
  • Energy, materials science, nanoscience, and/or chemical systems.

This model promotes deep collaboration across disciplines and provides fellows with both intellectual breadth and depth.

Community and Program Experience

In addition to research support, the AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellowship provides a cohort experience that promotes collaboration and visibility.

  • Cohort model: The program will include approximately 12 fellows, forming a cross-disciplinary community.
  • Scientific programming: Fellows will participate in bi-monthly workshops and research presentations.
  • Fellow leadership: Fellows will have opportunities to organize symposia and contribute to program direction.
  • Digital presence: Dedicated web features will highlight fellows and their research contributions.
    Institutional recognition: Fellows will be recognized as Northwestern AI4Energy IIN/Trienens Fellows, part of a highly visible institutional initiative.

Award and Support

Fellowships are awarded for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal based on mutual interest. Fellows will receive:

  • Annual stipend: $75,000, plus benefits
  • Travel support: $2,000 per year for conferences and scientific meetings
  • Relocation allowance: Up to $3,000 (one-time)

Application and Nomination Process

Nominations must be submitted by Northwestern tenure-track faculty. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Required Materials:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A formal nomination letter co-signed by the two sponsoring faculty members, describing the candidate’s qualifications for the fellowship
  • The nominee’s current, full CV
  • A one-page research proposal outlining the proposed research and its impact in the areas listed above

Applications will be reviewed starting September 1, 2026, by a joint committee of the Trienens Institute and the IIN. Submit nomination packages via email to: ai-energy@northwestern.edu. 

Learn More or Submit a Nomination 

To request a nomination form, submit a nomination package, or request additional information, email ai-energy@northwestern.edu.