[Research Corporation for Science Advancement](https://rescorp.org)

October 19, 2025 (Team proposal submission) | April 1, 2026 (Fellow application deadline)

$60,000 per team member (direct costs), typically for 1-year seed projects; teams of 2–3 Fellows.

Supports interdisciplinary, early-career collaborations to catalyze high-risk, high-reward research in quantum matter and information science.

--- ## Description This opportunity, part of the Scialog: Quantum Matter and Information initiative, is designed to foster innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations among early career researchers working at the frontiers of quantum science. The program brings together theorists and experimentalists from fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science, surface science, applied mathematics, computer science, and engineering to explore foundational phenomena like entanglement, coherence, and the quantum-to-classical transition. Through interactive meetings, participants form new teams to propose high-risk, high-impact research projects, with the aim of advancing the understanding and application of quantum materials, precision measurement, sensing, and quantum information. --- ## Due Dates - **October 19, 2025**: Team proposal submission deadline (electronic submission by 6:00 a.m. PST, final morning of the 2025 conference) - **April 1, 2026**: Application deadline to participate as a Fellow in the 2026 Scialog meeting (applications considered until this date) --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size:** $60,000 in direct costs per team member, plus a small percentage for indirect costs. - **Team Size:** 2–3 early career Scialog Fellows per team. - **Duration:** 1 year (seed funding for new, collaborative projects). - **Number of Awards:** In 2025, 7 collaborative teams (19 individual awards) were funded. - **Purpose:** Supports novel, high-risk, and potentially high-impact projects that emerge from discussions at the Scialog meeting. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply as a Fellow:** Early career faculty at U.S. or Canadian universities and colleges, typically within 8 years of their first independent appointment (from initial assistant professor offer up to ~2 years post-tenure). - Scientists at research institutes/national labs are eligible if at an equivalent career stage. - Graduate students and postdocs (unless already accepted a faculty position) are not eligible. - Past Scialog Fellows may apply if still early career, but priority may be reduced for previous awardees. - If career trajectory has been nonlinear or interrupted, applicants may make a case for inclusion. - **Who can be on a team:** Teams must consist of 2–3 Scialog Fellows who have not previously collaborated. - No Fellow can join more than two teams per meeting, and each team must have unique membership. - Teams cannot include members who have previously collaborated; check with program staff if unsure. - Prior awardees may have additional restrictions on eligibility for funding. --- ## Application Process 1. **Apply to be a Fellow:** Submit a self-nomination through the [RCSA online portal](https://prism.rescorp.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f) by April 1, 2026, to be considered for the next Scialog meeting. - Selection is based on research accomplishments, fit with the initiative, and potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration. 2. **Participate in the Meeting:** Selected Fellows attend the conference, participate in discussions, and form new teams. 3. **Team Proposal Submission:** Teams of 2–3 Fellows (who have not previously collaborated) submit a 2-page proposal (plus references) by 6:00 a.m. PST on the final morning of the meeting. - No detailed budget is required at submission. - Proposals should detail the project concept, novelty, potential impact, and roles of each member. 4. **Proposal Review and Award:** Proposals are assessed by senior Facilitators and funding partners. Awards are announced shortly after the meeting; projects are expected to begin around February of the following year. --- ## Additional Information - All meeting participation costs (lodging, meals, registration) are covered; Fellows cover their own transportation (travel scholarships available if needed). - Caregiver support is available for those with dependent care responsibilities. - Scialog emphasizes interdisciplinary networking and high-risk, creative research ideas. - Even if not funded, participation can lead to new collaborations and future funding opportunities. --- ## External Links - [Scialog: Quantum Matter and Information program page](https://rescorp.org/scialog/quantum-matter-and-information) - [Scialog Guide & FAQ](https://rescorp.org/scialog/what-to-expect-at-scialog/) - [2025 Conference Booklet (PDF)](https://rescorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-Scialog-QMI-Conference-Booklet.pdf) - [RCSA Online Nomination Portal](https://prism.rescorp.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Role | Email | Additional Info | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Eileen Spain, Program Director | [espain@rescorp.org](mailto:espain@rescorp.org) | Lead contact for program questions | | Suzette Gonzalez, Program & Award Administrator | [sgonzalez@rescorp.org](mailto:sgonzalez@rescorp.org) | Administrative queries | | General Inquiries | [rcsa@rescorp.org](mailto:rcsa@rescorp.org) | [Contact page](https://rescorp.org/contact) | | Phone | +1 520-571-1111 | |

Quantum Matter and Information

Sign in to see full grant listing