DOE Reveals Classified Human Experimentation Projects After Seven-Year FOIA Battle

A Department of Energy (DOE) document, released after a nearly seven-year Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by The Black Vault, offers new insight into classified human subjects research (HSR). The single-page record, titled "Projects that are Classified HSR, FY 2018 DOE Report," was finalized on January 22, 2026, and builds upon previous disclosures regarding the DOE's involvement in studies involving living individuals. This research encompasses various methods, including physical interventions, behavioral testing, biometric data collection, and the analysis of human activity datasets, all conducted under a framework designed to balance individual rights with national security and scientific advancement needs.

The requirement for the DOE to track and report classified HSR projects stems from DOE Notice 443.1, a directive implemented in response to public outcry and congressional scrutiny over Cold War-era human radiation experiments. These historical experiments, often conducted without informed consent, prompted significant reforms and the establishment of a presidential advisory committee to investigate government practices. The current regulations, including DOE Order 443.1C and 10 C.F.R. Part 745, aim to ensure ethical review, accountability, and senior-level oversight for all research involving human participants, even when classified.