The Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems Initiative is launching its new phase through the 2026 open competition for Investigators. The Investigator awards are fully unconstrained, six-year research grants intended to provide exceptional scientists with substantial resources and the freedom to pursue ambitious, high-risk, and highly novel research directions.
Researchers specializing in experimental research, theory, materials synthesis, or any combination of these efforts will have the opportunity to apply. We anticipate selecting 17-18 Investigators. Award sizes will range from roughly $800,000 for theory Investigators to approximately $1.8 million for experimentalists and materials synthesis Investigators. Grant start dates are expected to fall between Fall 2026 and early 2027.
Application Process
The competition will proceed in three staggered phases, with tentative announcement dates as follows:
The application process for each call will consist of two stages. Any eligible researcher may submit a pre-application, due approximately five weeks after the relevant call announcement. Following an initial screening, a subset of highly qualified candidates will be invited to submit full applications.
Investigator Award Eligibility
We seek a cohort of Investigators representing a broad range of scientific backgrounds and perspectives, enriching the diversity of tools, ideas, and approaches brought to outstanding challenges in quantum materials and the creation of novel materials systems.
Tenured, tenure-track, and research faculty at any career stage are eligible, provided their primary appointment is at a U.S. academic institution. There is no limit on the number of applications from a single institution. Past and current Moore Foundation grantees are eligible to apply.
In 2026, the Moore Experimental Physics Investigators and Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems initiatives will both run investigator competitions. Applicants eligible for both initiatives may apply to only one. Please review carefully the eligibility criteria and scientific scope of each initiative before choosing which one to apply to.
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all ages, sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities, races, national origins, religions, and abilities.
Selection Criteria and Review Process
The Investigator awards are extremely competitive. We seek researchers who not only conduct outstanding science but have the potential to reshape the field through new conceptual frameworks, innovative tools and techniques, and cross-disciplinary insights. Ideal candidates embrace risk, confront extreme technical challenges, and aim to change how the field thinks and operates—rather than simply extending established lines of research.
Full applications will undergo rigorous expert review by leading scientists in the field. Selection will be based primarily on:
The quality and impact of recent research, published within the past 5–7 years
The potential for disruptive contributions over the next six years, as articulated in the research proposal.
Additional secondary criteria may be applied when selecting materials synthesis, experimental, and theory Investigators. Successful candidates will demonstrate a combination of the following qualities that set them apart from other highly competent scientists in the field:
Scientific and Technical Scope
We are interested in a broad range of quantum materials systems, including but not limited to:
All experimental, synthesis, and theoretical approaches will be considered. The Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems Initiative is primarily focused on advancing fundamental understanding of emergent phenomena in quantum materials. Proposals emphasizing devices or near-term technological applications will receive low priority.
While the current phase of the initiative emphasizes four specific research thrusts, Investigators are free to propose and pursue research directions outside these thrusts.
More information is provided on our Frequently Asked Questions page. For other inquiries please contact EPiQS@moore.org.
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