The University Coal Research (UCR) Program has maintained three specific goals since its inception in 1980 (by Congressional direction): 

1. Sustain a national university program of research in energy and environmental science and engineering related to coal that focuses on innovative and fundamental investigations pertinent to coal conversion and utilization.  
2. Provide a future supply of coal scientists and engineers through research exposure in coal technologies while advancing the science of clean energy from coal.
3. Improve our fundamental scientific and technical understanding of chemical and physical processes involved in the conversion and utilization of coal, one of our nation's most abundant natural resources and by-products from coal processings.

These goals help to position the United States strategically in a competitive global economy. The two goals are achieved simultaneously by restricting research under this program to U.S. colleges and universities: the academic environment is well suited to performing fundamental research of high payoff potential.  The involvement of professors and students is conducive to the generation of fresh ideas for further exploration. Student involvement in the research process ensures a continuing availability of scientists and engineers of appropriate expertise for the U.S. Energy Industry.

Relationship to DOE Strategic Plan
The UCR program promotes the DOE strategic plan by supporting two of DOE Business Areas: Science and Technology and Energy Resources through fundamental research, energy and environmental science education, and industrial applications. This helps provide the basis for increased fossil fuel usage in a more efficient and environmentally acceptable manner.

Program Description
To accomplish the goals of the UCR program, faculty members and their institutions are encouraged to undertake fundamental research that is relevant to other FE coal-related applied research programs as identified in the program solicitation.