The DOE CSGF's program manager hosted an application webinar and Q&A for the 2026-27 recruitment cycle on Thursday, December 3, 2025.
The presentation covered program benefits, eligibility and Science & Engineering vs. Mathematics & Computer Science Track options, plus insight into application components including the program of study, reference letters and transcripts.
Click on the image at the right to view the 87-minute recording. You may also download a PDF of the slides.
For quick reference, topics discussed are listed below in the order they were addressed:
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00:12 – Fellowship deadlines: application deadline, transcripts and letters (Slide 2)
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02:30 – Benefits (Slide 4)
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04:25 – Eligibility: citizenship (Slide 5)
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05:35 – Eligibility: academic status (Slide 6)
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08:05 – DOE CSGF Track selection: Science & Engineering vs. Mathematics & Computer Science (Slide 7)
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09:50 – Application components (Slides 8-9)
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General overview of sections
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Checking status of supplemental materials
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Populating doctoral institution choice(s) and academic history
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16:25 – Program of study (POS) (Slides 10-11)
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22:35 – References/Letters of recommendation (Slide 12)
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25:10 – Transcripts (Slides 13-14)
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27:35 – General application and fellowship questions/insight (Slide 15)
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31:20 – The DOE CSGF community and how to learn more
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33:00 – Transition to Q&A (Slide 16)
Topical themes covered in the webinar's Q&A portion (34:05 through 1:26:43) are noted below. Questions were submitted by attendees live and in writing. This list is not inclusive of all questions and is not arranged in the order addressed during the session.
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Academic eligibility scenarios
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Role of academic advisor
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POS course selection, categorization, timing, etc.
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Supported fields/research and connection to high-performance computing (HPC)
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Themes for the personal statement
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Reference letters: selecting writers and areas of focus
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The DOE CSGF's TA policy and university adherence
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What makes an application stand out
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How fellows have benefited from the DOE CSGF
Note: We encourage applicants to review eligibility guidelines, track details and the FAQ on this site prior to directing questions to Krell staff. One will also find general instructions, transcript information and detailed FAQ and help documents within the application. Most individual areas of the application also link to section-relevant guidance.