Open Call: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation – 2026 EPiQS Experimental Investigators

May 8, 2026 | Awards & Funding, Faculty

To: Science Faculty
From: Office of Foundation Relations
Subject: Funding Opportunity

The Office of Foundation Relations is pleased to share this open call for pre-applications from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. 

 

Overview

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is inviting pre-applications for the 2026 Experimental Investigators competition as part of its Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems (EPiQS) Initiative. Through EPiQS, the foundation seeks to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum materials—solids and engineered structures that exhibit novel quantum phases and emergent electronic behavior. 

The EPiQS Experimental Investigator awards support U.S. experts in experimental studies of quantum materials to pursue discovery of new emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena in solids, investigate the origin of previously known emergent phenomena, develop new experimental techniques for probing or controlling quantum materials, or substantially enhance the performance of existing techniques. 

Please scroll down on the EPiQS  website to see previous grantees. 

 

Award Amount & Terms

  • Up to eight Experimental Investigators will be awarded
  • Award amounts range from $1,800,000–$2,000,000 for six years
  • Please review the Moore Foundation’s indirect cost policy prior to applying

 

Eligibility

  • In 2026, both the EPiQS and Experimental Physics Investigators (EPI) initiatives will conduct investigator competitions. Applicants eligible for both programs may only apply to one this year. 
  • An applicant’s primary appointment must be as tenured, tenure-track, or research faculty at a U.S. academic institution

 

Timeline

  • June 5, 2026 Pre-application deadline

 

Special Instructions

Please notify the Office of Foundation Relations if you are interested in applying to this opportunity (fr@ucsc.edu). For support developing your proposal, please send a request to the Office of Research Development,  resdev@ucsc.edu.

 

Call Sent: May 7, 2026

The Office of Foundation Relations is a unit of University Advancement. The FR team creates and maintains mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with private organizations, matching grant initiatives with educational and research programs and centers. FR supports faculty and staff to identify and approach these and other private foundations for funding, to assist in strategic positioning of the grant application, and to facilitate funder campus visits. For a list of recent funding opportunities, please visit the FR website: FR Calls for Funding.

 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact forde@ucsc.edu
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