NSERC-National Science Foundation – Collaboration on quantum science and artificial intelligence
Flash Call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) in quantum science and technology – Questions and answers
On this page
- What is a Flash Call for LOIs in quantum science and technology?
- What areas of quantum science and technology does the Flash Call focus on?
- Is the LOI submitted under the Flash Call different from the one submitted under current NSERC-NSF collaboration on quantum science and artificial intelligence?
- What NSF programs will accept Flash Call proposals?
- Can I submit an LOI in another area of quantum science and technology or artificial intelligence?
What is a Flash Call for LOIs in quantum science and technology?
In support of the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) and its three key missions, NSERC is launching a Flash Call for LOIs with an expedited evaluation and decision process for the LOIs. Applicants must submit their LOIs to NSERC by 8:00 p.m. (ET) on September 14, 2023. Since this is a continuous intake process, NSERC will review the LOIs upon receipt and provide decisions within approximately 2 weeks of receiving the complete LOI. Based on the review of your LOI, you may be invited to proceed with a full proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF). The proposal will undergo a single review process at NSF according to the funding round deadlines and due dates of the program to which the proposal is submitted.
What areas of quantum science and technology does the Flash Call focus on?
LOIs submitted under this Flash Call may address any challenges in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions by advancing research in any of the following areas of quantum technologies or a combination thereof:
- quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography
- quantum communications
- quantum computing
- quantum materials
- quantum sensing
Proposals may also synergistically couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in natural sciences and engineering.
Is the LOI submitted under the Flash Call different from the one submitted under current NSERC-NSF collaboration on quantum science and artificial intelligence?
No. Please follow the instructions for submitting an LOI under the NSERC – NSF call. However, in your LOI, you must indicate that the proposal is submitted under the Flash Call and describe how the research aims to advance one or more of the NQS missions. LOIs that do not advance any of the NQS missions will not be considered under the Flash Call’s expedited process and will be assessed by NSERC within standard timeframes.
What NSF programs will accept Flash Call proposals?
The collaborative proposals must be submitted by US principal investigators to a participating NSF program using the appropriate NSF submission process. Collaborative research proposals will be accepted to the NSF programs listed in the Dear Colleague Letter on the NSF website. Note that NSF deadlines and due dates vary by program. Questions about the NSF programs and submission process may be directed to NSERC@NSF.GOV
Can I submit an LOI in another area of quantum science and technology or artificial intelligence?
Yes. You can submit an LOI for research focusing on other areas of quantum science and technology or artificial intelligence at any time, but there is no expedited review or decision for these LOIs. They will be assessed by NSERC within standard timeframes.
