The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the John Templeton Foundation, and the Simons Foundation invite applications to a one-time call aimed at advancing fundamental physics by funding small-scale experiments that explore physics which has typically been explored at large-scale facilities (e.g., CERN, LIGO).
The program is intended to support high-risk and potentially high-return small-scale experimental projects aimed at new ambitious discoveries beyond the current frontier of fundamental physics. "Small-scale" refers to table-top size experiments or to ones that could fit in a typical university physics research lab. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to, tests of basic principles of quantum physics, tests of interaction laws and established symmetry principles, and searches for new particles.
Deadline for Letter of Intent: Oct. 31, 2022
Applications may be submitted by established public and private educational institutions and stand-alone research centers. PIs and co-Investigators must have a Ph.D. and a tenure-track or tenured position (or equivalent) at the time of application. There are no citizenship or department requirements for PIs.
Applications from scientists from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
This program will provide funding for up to five years. The funding level and duration of each proposal should be appropriate to the proposed research goals. There is no recommended funding level for this program, but we expect typical annual project budgets to fall between $300,000 and $1,000,000. Further budget guidance will be provided to those invited to submit full proposals. The combined support provided by all foundations is expected to be up to $20,000,000 over the 5 years of this program.