The Oil Containment Association Research Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 Research Grant Program. The Foundation will award up to $450,000 in research grants to support scientific advancement in oil containment technology, environmental remediation, and regulatory policy development.
2026 Research Priorities#
The Foundation has identified four priority research areas for the 2026 funding cycle:
- Advanced Containment Materials: Development and testing of next-generation coating and liner materials with enhanced chemical resistance, environmental compatibility, and lifecycle performance
- Spill Detection Technologies: Sensor-based and remote monitoring systems for early spill detection in secondary containment areas
- Environmental Fate and Transport: Studies examining the environmental behavior of petroleum hydrocarbons in various soil and groundwater conditions to inform containment design
- Regulatory Efficacy: Analysis of the effectiveness of existing containment regulations in preventing environmental harm, and recommendations for policy improvements
Grant Categories#
Major Research Grants: Up to $100,000 for 2-year projects conducted by accredited universities or research institutions. Four grants will be awarded.
Industry Innovation Grants: Up to $50,000 for collaborative industry-academic projects with practical application focus. Four grants will be awarded.
Student Research Awards: Up to $15,000 for graduate student thesis research projects. Four awards will be made.
Application Process#
Applications are accepted through June 30, 2026. Awards will be announced September 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the OCA Research Foundation grant portal at oilcontainment.org/research-grants. Letters of intent are required by May 15, 2026.
