[Sloan Foundation](https://sloan.org)

September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards support university-scale experiments; award size and duration vary by project.

Supports innovative, small-scale precision measurement experiments to advance understanding of fundamental physics.

Currently not accepting applications; next anticipated call expected in 2026.

--- ## Description This program supports small-scale, university-lab-based experiments that leverage advances in precision measurement to explore fundamental particles and forces. The funding is intended to enable research that would traditionally require large-scale facilities, such as the LHC or LIGO, but can now be conducted in university settings thanks to new techniques in cold matter manipulation, quantum nondemolition measurement, and related fields. Projects may involve: - Searches for dark matter or other new particles/forces - Investigations into gravity or quantum gravity - Tests of symmetry principles - Explorations of quantum foundations Funded research often involves developing new instruments or experimental methods that push the boundaries of measurement capabilities. Theoretical work is only supported if it directly informs the design or analysis of an associated experiment. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award size and duration depend on the scope of the proposed experiment. - Grants typically support projects that can be conducted within a university physics lab, rather than large-scale facilities. - Funding is intended for experimental research; theoretical work is only supported when directly tied to experiment design or analysis. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers at universities and research institutions. - Projects must be experimental and fit within a university-lab scale. - Theoretical proposals are generally not eligible unless they directly inform a supported experiment. - There are no explicit restrictions by career stage or geographic location, but the program primarily supports academic investigators. --- ## Application Process - The Foundation is not currently accepting applications; the next anticipated call is expected in 2026. - When open, the process typically involves submitting a letter of inquiry (LOI) or pre-proposal, followed by invitation to submit a full proposal. - Applicants should check the [program page](https://sloan.org/programs/research/small-scale-fundamental-physics) for updates and detailed instructions when the next cycle is announced. --- ## Additional Information - The program emphasizes innovation in experimental methods and measurement. - Funding is competitive and based on scientific merit, feasibility, and potential for significant advances in fundamental physics. - Support for new instrumentation and creative experimental approaches is encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Small-Scale Fundamental Physics](https://sloan.org/programs/research/small-scale-fundamental-physics) - [Sloan Foundation Grants – How to Apply](https://sloan.org/grants/apply) - [Sloan Foundation Open Calls](https://sloan.org/grants/open-calls) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [frontdesk@sloan.org](mailto:frontdesk@sloan.org) | | Phone | +1 212-649-1649 | | Contact Form | [Sloan Foundation Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) |

Small-Scale Fundamental Physics

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