The US Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) of the Department of Energy is seeking up to 20 energy-technology investigators for a two-year fellowship programme, which may lead to permanent positions at the department. Responsibilities will include seeking new areas for development and commercialization and helping to create energy policy. Inspired by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, ARPA-E supports high-risk 'transformational' research unlikely to be funded through traditional means.