QuantEmX Overview

Program Overview

This is an era of extraordinary promise for research into quantum materials. The discovery of entirely new classes of materials including high temperature superconductors, topological insulators, multiferroics, strange metals and states of hidden order reflect a new realization that quantum materials are emergent, developing new and wholly unexpected properties associated with the collective quantum behavior of electrons and atoms.

These new discoveries, combined with new theoretical insights and unprecedented improvements in our ability to synthesize at the atomic scale and to spectroscopically probe quantum materials, often under extreme conditions of pressure, temperature and field, make the study of emergent quantum materials a 21st century frontier for discovery and bold new applications.

Because of the complexity and scope of emergent phenomena, it is critically important that different groups collaborate to advance our understanding and accelerate the development of these materials.With this in mind, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter announce the QuantEmX (Quantum Emergence Exchange) Awards to foster new collaborations that further our understanding of emergent quantum phenomena in novel materials.

The majority of these awards are for experimental research, but some support for outstanding theoretical research efforts will be considered. Both the Moore Foundation, through its Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems (EPiQS) and THE Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter have interests in phenomena that include topological insulators, novel superconductors, two-dimensional quantum matter, interfacial quantum matter, frustrated magnets, and materials/devices for quantum information technology.

QuantEmX Award Types

Short Term Exchange Awards (Duration: 2 – 3 weeks) for junior or senior scientists to carry out 2-3 week research visits to other labs or suitable research facilities (such as light sources, neutron scattering labs, or high field magnet labs)
Long Term Exchange Awards (Duration: 6 – 8 weeks) for junior or senior scientists to initiate new research with other labs.
Senior Scientist Exchange Awards (Duration: 2 – 8 weeks) – ICAM senior scientists to carry out research visits at other ICAM institutions or suitable research facilities.

Eligibility

1) Members of research groups funded by the Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems (EPiQS) initiative can apply for exchange with any other research group in the world, i.e., the other group does not have to be part of either EPiQS or ICAM.

2) ICAM members (senior and junior**) who are not EPiQS grantees can apply for exchange with other ICAM groups. Limited funding will be available for exchanges in which the other group is not part of ICAM.

**ICAM Junior Scientists: ICAM defines Junior Scientists as undergraduate or graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers within five (5) years of getting their PhD. Junior Scientists may not hold a university tenure track faculty position or be on the staff of a national or industrial laboratory.

Application Deadlines

Click here for a detailed application schedule.

Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis until filled each year. Processing an application typically takes a few weeks, longer if the original submittal is incomplete. Applicants should also allow several months to obtain their VISA, if applicable. Interested Applicants should review the QuantEmX Guidelines before applying.

QuantEmX Steering Committee