Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative
This grant funds recently tenured U.S. experimental physicists to pursue bold, curiosity-driven research across diverse areas of experimental physics.
Funder: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Due Dates: October 8, 2026 (Pre-proposal) | February 1, 2027 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: $1,350,000 per investigator over 5 years; supplemental equipment funds available.
Summary: Supports recently tenured, U.S.-based mid-career researchers leading ambitious experimental physics projects.
Key Information: Two-stage, anonymized review; applicants may apply to only one Moore physics investigator competition per cycle.
Description
The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative is designed to advance the frontiers of experimental physics by supporting mid-career researchers in the United States who have recently achieved tenure (or equivalent status). The initiative funds individual investigators and their teams to pursue bold, curiosity-driven experimental projects in diverse areas such as atomic, molecular, and optical physics; biophysics; chemical physics; condensed matter; fluid dynamics; geophysics; laser physics; materials; polymer physics; plasma physics; precision measurements; quantum information; and soft matter physics.
The program aims to empower these researchers to explore new scientific directions, build strong teams, and establish themselves as leaders in experimental physics. The review process is conducted in two stages—beginning with a brief, anonymized pre-proposal, followed by a detailed full proposal for selected applicants. The initiative emphasizes scientific merit, reduced bias through anonymized review, and provides feedback on full proposals.
