The DOE SC program in Basic Energy Sciences (BES) announces its interest in receiving applications from single investigators and from teams for support of experimental and theoretical efforts to advance understanding of quantum phenomena in systems that could be used for quantum information science (QIS) and the use of quantum computing in chemical and materials sciences research. New and renewal applications are invited in two topical areas: 1) Quantum Computing; and 2) Next-Generation Quantum Systems.
The BES mission is to support fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. BES also supports world-class, open-access scientific user facilities consisting of a complementary set of intense x-ray sources, neutron sources, and research centers for nanoscale science.
Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences: Applications are requested for theoretical research using quantum computers, emulators and/or annealers to solve scientific problems, plus relevant experimental research required to validate the computational data, in chemical and materials sciences. Applications must address one or more of the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences. Areas of research include controlling the quantum dynamics of non-equilibrium chemical and materials systems; unraveling the physics and chemistry of strongly correlated electron systems; developing algorithms for embedding quantum hardware in classical frameworks; and bridging the classical–quantum computing divide. Proposals must focus on fundamental research that will target computations on realistic problems relevant to BES priorities using quantum computers, emulators and/or annealers that are available today or in the near term (<10 years). Although there are opportunities in the near-term for annealers to make relevant contributions, the long-term focus for BES is on developing approaches for universal quantum computing, therefore priority will be given to efforts aimed at developing approaches for such platforms
Next-Generation Quantum Systems: Applications are requested for basic experimental and theoretical research focused on the discovery and characterization of quantum phenomena that will enable the design and discovery of novel quantum information systems. Applications must address one or more of the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Basic Research for Next-Generation Quantum Systems. In this context creating and controlling quantum states within atomic, molecular or condensed matter systems offer exciting opportunities for fundamental research, as well as for enabling next-generation quantum-based technologies. Areas of research include synthesis of materials and molecular assemblies for the development of quantum coherent systems; research that involves in-situ characterization and real-time data science targeting quantum information functionality; mechanistic understanding of quantum phenomena in natural and artificial systems, including creation and control of coherent phenomena for improved understanding of entanglement, enhanced coherence lifetimes, and other quantum phenomena; and transduction of quantum coherent states between disparate physical systems (light, charge, spin) with high fidelity. Applications will also be considered for fundamental research on quantum-based systems and phenomena for quantum computing and for quantum sensing and control to enable precise time, space and field measurements, including probes of material properties and chemical processes.
Applicant institutions are limited to no more than two (2) pre-applications and applications as the lead institution. There is no limit on the number of pre-applications on which an institution may appear as a partner (not the lead institution). An individual is limited to be named as the Lead PI on no more than 1 submission.
Deadlines:
Applications with more than one investigator, including applications with multiple institutions, must designate one and only one investigator as the Lead PI, who will exercise overall scientific control and direction of the proposed research. The Lead PI must be employed by or have a written agreement in place to be hired by the applicant institution. If the proposed Lead PI will not be employed by the lead organization at the time of award, the application will be declined without further review.
Limitation on Number of Applications An individual may be the Lead PI on no more than one application. If more than one application is received with the same individual identified as the Lead PI, the last received application that matches a qualified Preproposal (as described in Section IV, Part B.2, below) will be accepted: All other applications will be declined without review.
Note that there is no limitation on the number of applications in which an individual may participate in other roles: The limitation is only on serving as the Lead PI on more than one application. A Lead PI may serve as a co-investigator on other applications.
Ceiling $1,500,000 per year
Floor $200,000 per year for applications led by non-DOE/NNSA National Laboratories; $500,000 per year for applications led by DOE/NNSA National Laboratories
