CISE MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): CISE MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science (NSF 15-512)

What is this NSF opportunity?

This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant program titled "CISE MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science" (NSF Publication 15-512). Its purpose is to accelerate research in Quantum Information Science (QIS) by supporting deep, sustained interdisciplinary collaborations.

What is the main goal of the program?

The central goal is to create meaningful joint research projects at the intersection of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). The program is designed to promote cross-pollination of ideas, methods, and problem-framing between these communities to drive progress in QIS.

What makes this program different from typical collaboration or visitor programs?

Rather than supporting short visits or loosely connected collaborations, this program emphasizes long-term, immersive research stays. A defining feature is a bona fide change in research environment where the principal investigator (PI) is embedded with a host research group for a significant period to pursue a new or broadened QIS research direction.

What is the minimum time commitment for the PI's visit?

The PI must commit to spending at least one contiguous semester working with the host group.

Does the visit have to be contiguous, or can it be split across multiple shorter trips?

Based on the summary provided, NSF specifies a minimum of one contiguous semester. The program is built around an immersive stay rather than part-time or fragmented visits.

Who is eligible to serve as the Principal Investigator (PI)?

The key eligibility requirement in the summary is that the PI must be a faculty member at a US home institution and must be able to commit to the minimum one-semester contiguous visit with the host group.

Does the PI need to be at a US institution?

Yes. The summary specifies the PI must be a faculty member at a US home institution.

What are the requirements for the host group or host institution?

NSF specifies that the PI and host must be from different institutions and substantially different environments. This requirement is central to the program because the intent is full immersion in a new setting rather than a part-time collaboration.

Can the PI and host be from the same institution?

No. The summary states the PI and host must be from different institutions.

Why does NSF require the PI and host to be from substantially different environments?

The program is intentionally structured to ensure an interdisciplinary exchange and a genuine change in research environment. The expected outcome is to broaden the investigator's expertise and create lasting interdisciplinary ties that reshape research directions at the boundary of MPS and CISE within QIS.

What research areas in Quantum Information Science (QIS) are relevant to this program?

The program supports QIS broadly, including (but not limited to) quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum complexity, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, quantum error correction, and underlying mathematical and physical foundations that enable these advances.

What type of NSF funding mechanism is this?

It is offered as a grant under the broader activity category of science and technology and other research and development.

How many awards did NSF anticipate making, and what was the total funding level?

NSF anticipated making about 16 awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $4,000,000.

Which CFDA numbers are associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences) and CFDA 47.070 (Computer and Information Science and Engineering).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The summary states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What were the proposal deadlines for this opportunity?

The announcement lists proposal deadlines of February 2, 2015 and December 7, 2015.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The current closing date listed was December 7, 2015, and the opportunity was archived on January 6, 2016. Archived opportunities are no longer open for submission.

If the opportunity is archived, why is the information still useful?

The program description remains useful as a model for how NSF structured QIS-focused interdisciplinary faculty exchange mechanisms and what collaboration features NSF considered essential for impact (for example, sustained immersion, different institutions, and substantially different environments).

Where can applicants find the full requirements and proposal instructions?

The solicitation is referenced as NSF Publication 15-512. The full publication would contain complete requirements, proposal preparation instructions, and any program-specific review criteria or expectations beyond general NSF proposal policies.

Who can help with accessing the full announcement via Grants.gov?

NSF directed users to NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for help accessing the full announcement.

How is eligibility described in the announcement summary?

Eligibility is described in general terms as "Others," with additional clarification in the full solicitation. The key eligibility detail included in the summary is that the PI must be a faculty member at a US home institution who can commit to the minimum one-semester contiguous visit, and the PI and host must be from different institutions and substantially different environments.