QSEC Seed Fund 2023 Solicitation

The George Mason University Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) invites applications for funding in support of work that advances the QSEC’s research and collaboration in the areas of quantum materials, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. Successful applications will outline an innovative approach to a significant scientific or technical challenge that can be achieved through the combination of multiple disciplines. Preference will be given to projects that align with QSEC’s interest areas, provide a plan for pursuing external funding, and increase collaboration between QSEC members.

Estimated Funding

Projects will be funded up to a maximum of $10,000 during the summer semester of AY 2023-2024

Eligibility Information

To be eligible for funding, projects must meet the following requirements:

1. The proposed project is a collaboration led by one or more QSEC PIs. External collaborators can serve as co-PIs.

2. Applicants may participate in a maximum of two (2) applications under this funding opportunity.

The eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that funds will advance QSEC’s goal of supporting transdisciplinary, collaborative quantum research.

Content and Application Forms

The application must include the following components:

  • Cover page (1 page, sample attached)
    • Title
    • PIs, key personnel, and affiliations
    • Project abstract
  • Project Narrative (up to 3 pages with Times New Roman font size 11, single spacing, 1” margin) written to be understood by a scientist, but not necessarily one in this research sub-field
    • Background and motivation
    • Technical Approach
    • Relevance and benefits to the QSEC (research, collaboration, education, external fund, etc.)
  • Bibliography and References
  • Biographical Sketch of each personnel (up to 2 pages each)
  • Work plan, timeline, and budget (up to 1 page)
    • Students: please explain their role
  • Other documents (OPTIONAL – Letters of Support (NSF format), External FOA, etc.)

To be considered for awards during summer 2023, the application package should be submitted by email to qsec@gmu.edu by April 26, 2023, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Evaluation of other requests for funding after summer 2023 will be conducted on a rolling basis.

You can find the application form at the following link:

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated by both external reviewers and QSEC leadership. QSEC plans to make selections from those applications judged to have the highest overall merit, with equal consideration given to each of the following criteria:

Strength of the Scientific/Technical Approach, as evidenced by

(1) the innovativeness of the idea and the approach; and

(2) the significance of the scientific or technical challenge and the thoroughness of the presentation.

Ability to competently carry out the project, as evidenced by

(1) the qualifications of the PI, co-PI, and other key personals, and the level of adequacy of resources; and

(2) the soundness and level of adequacy of the work plan to show progress toward proving the feasibility of the concept.

Impact and benefit to the QSEC, as evidenced by

(1) the significance of the technical and/or collaborative benefits of the proposed work, if successful; and

(2) the likelihood that the project will stimulate external funding applications. List possible future funding opportunities if available.

For any general inquiry about this funding opportunity, please direct your questions to Patrick Vora (pvora@gmu.edu) or Fangyu Cao (fcao4@gmu.edu).