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.