NSF-UKRI/EPSRC Lead Agency Opportunity on Understanding and Exploiting Quantum Information in Chemical Systems
NSF-UKRI/EPSRC Lead Agency Opportunity funds U.S.-U.K. research on quantum information science in chemical systems, supporting projects that advance fundamental and applied quantum chemistry.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026: EOI submission window closes (projected) | March 2027: Full proposal deadline (projected; invitation only)
Funding Amounts: Typical award size/duration aligns with standard NSF/UKRI chemistry programs; budgets must fit each agency’s norms and are typically 3 years, with U.S. and U.K. teams funded separately.
Summary: Supports joint U.S.-U.K. research to advance quantum information science in chemical systems through a unified, collaborative review process.
Key Information: Two-stage process: EOI required for invitation to submit full proposal; both U.S. and U.K. research teams must be eligible under their respective agencies.
Description
This opportunity enables collaborative research between U.S. and U.K. teams, focusing on quantum information science (QIS) within chemical systems. The program is designed to foster transatlantic partnerships by allowing a single, jointly prepared proposal, which undergoes a unified review by the lead agency (alternating annually between NSF and UKRI/EPSRC). Projects should aim to deepen the understanding and application of QIS concepts in chemistry—such as quantum correlations, coherence, and entanglement—and may include the design of novel molecular systems for quantum computing, sensing, or communications. Both experimental and theoretical approaches are encouraged, as are proposals leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance chemical research and experimental design.
