There is a growing need to strengthen the connections between energy system researchers and the network of university energy research centers. To address this challenge, in 2019 representatives from university energy research centers across the United States came together to form the University Energy Institute Leadership Collaborative (UEILC) to strengthen connections between energy system researchers and foster collaboration between different research centers. This grant supports the continued growth of the UEILC network in three ways. First, it will establish a competitive process to identify, select, and fund nine “bridge builder” fellowships to support essential leadership staff at university energy research centers, who are key to the successful operation of these institutions yet often rely on external grants to sustain their roles. These fellowships will be awarded for two years at $20,000 per year. Second, the grant will provide direct support for UEILC annual summit convenings for the next three years, primarily in the form of travel support for meeting attendees. Third, the grant will support the ongoing management of the UEILC Executive Committee to oversee the fellowship program and continue growing the UEILC network.